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Marine Biology Robotics
Autonomous and Remote Operated Vehicles
Vehicles capable of traveling underwater have contributed greatly to the advance of the science of biology. These vehicles must be capable of retrieving accurate information despite the harsh conditions of the deep ocean. In addition to overcoming obstacles deep underwater, they must be capable of relaying the information back to designated data centers. This exchange requires careful mathematical and scientific calculations to achieve. Most importantly, these vehicles must be eco-friendly in order to preserve the biology of the underwater organisms.
Obstacles
Autonomous and remote operated vehicles face multiple obstacles on their task to recover data about the deep ocean biology. Vehicles must be equipped to handle deep sea conditions such as extreme cold, lack of light, and lack of remote communication. Vehicles must be insulated to keep technology dry and maintain optimal temperature within the body of the vehicle. The lack of light in underwater environments increase the impact of long-range indetectable obstacles. Range of communication also proves to be a major problem because many methods of data transfer we use on Earth’s surface can not be applied. Radio waves only travel a few inches underwater, and wires can only transfer information so far. A wired connection has many other issues with its designs, such as its tendency to restrict movement and interference with sensors. AUVs must rely on alternate methods.
Overcoming Obstacles
Fortunately, many challenges mentioned in the previous section like harsh temperatures, lack of communication and structural integrity can be solved. The harsh temperature issue can be solved by using material which keeps interior temperatures at optimal levels for long periods of time, similar to how a thermos works. Additionally, low power consuming heaters can be installed inside the hull of the robot. Lack of communication can be conquered by using a camera or a similar sensor which allows a bot to monitor its surroundings autonomously using image processing. Sensors are capable of detecting obstacles and taking necessary navigation measures. This technology allows UAVs to detect optimal times to come to the ocean surface for data transmission. Radio/sonar wave connections are efficient methods of communication above water so information/data is transmitted once the robot breaks the surface. Additionally, structural integrity plays a key role in the overall success of the task, because a crack or vulnerability in the body of the vehicle could result in a massive loss of data and valuable hardware. In addition to those losses, the internal materials and technology of the vehicle can harm ocean wildlife. By simulating ocean conditions via AR or fluid dynamic software, the likelihood of this occurring can be reduced.
About Team
Members: Srujan, Adam, Miranda, Sasha
School: Pennsbury HS
Location: Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Robotics Background: Programming, 3D Modeling, STEM Field