Drones and the Future of Robotic oceanographers
Overview Robotic oceanographers, particularly the use of drones, are set to revolutionize marine data collection and exploration. The rise of interest in marine drones has been precipitated by the increasing focus on oceanography and marine conservation efforts. Such drones are invaluable due to their abilities in accelerating scientific understanding, making more frequent and detailed observations affordable, and offering safety features that are utterly essential when exploring the vast and often unpredictable ocean environment. Key statistics included in this report reveal the scale of interest and the importance of drones and robotics in oceanography.
The Rising Phenomenon of Robotic Oceanography The scientific community has been increasingly turning towards robotic oceanographers, fueled by the need to truly understand the ocean's secrets. Scientists estimate that humans have only explored about 5% of the world’s oceans, leaving around 95% essentially uncharted. Marine drones or unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) offer a significantly less risk-prone, more cost-effective, and efficient way to explore these lesser-known marine territories. The global market for autonomous underwater vehicles, a category of marine drone, was set to grow from around $600 million in 2020 to $1 billion in 2025, according to Markets and Markets.
Drones – The Futuristic Marine Explorers Drones are accelerating the pace of discovery in oceanography. They are equipped to dive deeper into the ocean than manned submarines and can function in inhospitable environments, making them perfect for undersea exploration. Studies indicate that around 10,000 meters (about 6.2 miles) is the average depth of the world's oceans, with the deepest point being over 11,000 meters deep. Standard submarines can only reach around 500 meters deep. Ocean drones, able to reach much greater depths and send back data, have the potential to enormously expand our understanding of ocean ecology.
Safety Features of Marine Drones The fundamental advantage of using drones in oceanography lies in the realm of safety. Oceans, being complex and volatile ecosystems, pose several risks. Drones, by nature, eliminate the need for human presence, thereby greatly reducing risks. The added safety features of marine drones include the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures at great depths, return even if communication is lost, and avoid obstacles autonomously. Submersibles typically fail under extreme pressure at around 6500 meters, but many modern drones can survive much more severe conditions.
Key Takeaways - The usage of drones and robotics in oceanography is continuously rising due to increasing marine conservation efforts. - Marine drones or UUVs are slated to significantly boost marine research and exploration, with their market expected to grow to $1 billion in 2025. - Drones can explore considerably deeper parts of the ocean than manned vehicles, potentially transforming our understanding of marine ecosystems. - Marine drones possess essential safety features that make them robust companions in the unpredictable and risky marine environments.
About 3Laws Robotics and Its Contribution to Marine Drones 3Laws Robotics is a pioneering company striving to enhance the safety and reliability of robotic systems through their innovative software solutions. The company’s main product, 3Laws Supervisor, leverages Control Barrier Functions technology to provide mathematically provable safety, which can greatly aid the certification process for robotic systems.
The software is adaptable to a range of platforms, making it highly suitable for marine drones. It enables efficient operation in dynamic environments, allowing drones to navigate effectively in the capricious ocean environs. Real-time autonomy performance control aids in avoiding unnecessary stops or collisions, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency and potentially the drone's lifespan.
3Laws' software is compatible with popular robotic middleware like ROS and ROS2. It provides next-gen safety solutions that go beyond traditional methods, promising a proactive approach to safety and unlocking the full potential of ocean-going robotic systems. By ensuring safety certified to ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 standards, 3Laws Robotics positions itself as a key player in the expansive rollout of the future of robotic oceanography.