Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin

Penguins are fast, fantastic swimmers, so why not make an underwater robot inspired by them? That’s just what German underwater tech company EvoLogics has done, with its new-and-improved Quadroin AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle).Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin

Acoustic navigational tech gets scuba divers using GPS maps

Because GPS doesn’t work underwater, divers usually can’t track their real-time position on a digital map. The new Diver Navigation System (DNS) gets around that problem, however, using both floating and wearable acoustic transponders.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Acoustic navigational tech gets scuba divers using GPS maps

Video: Multi-talented underwater robot uses fins to swim, walk and crawl

A new underwater robot can swim through the water with fins, and walk or crawl along the bottom when necessary. These capabilities could really give it a leg up – pun fully intended – at outperforming its traditional thruster-powered counterparts.Conti… Continue reading Video: Multi-talented underwater robot uses fins to swim, walk and crawl

Northrop Grumman debuts Manta Ray robotic underwater glider

Northrop Grumman introduces its first completed prototype Manta Ray Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) that it is developing for DARPA. The extra-large submarine glider is designed to carry out long-range undersea missions without human assistance.Conti… Continue reading Northrop Grumman debuts Manta Ray robotic underwater glider

UV-emitting glass stops 98% of costly marine microbes

Scientists are using UV-emitting glass to keep problematic undersea biofilms at bay. The technology may find use in applications such as underwater viewing ports and camera lenses, and perhaps even one day the hulls of ships.Continue ReadingCategory: M… Continue reading UV-emitting glass stops 98% of costly marine microbes

Video: Robot climbs offshore wind turbines and paints while underwater

An experimental new undersea robot shows great promise for use in the upkeep of offshore renewable energy platforms. Because it has the ability to climb vertical underwater surfaces – and paint them – it’s known as the Crawfish.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Video: Robot climbs offshore wind turbines and paints while underwater

28-ton, 1.2-megawatt tidal kite is now exporting power to the grid

Minesto’s fully operational Dragon 12 looks like some sort of futuristic military drone – but it behaves remarkably like a kite underwater. It uses lift generated by tidal flows to fly patterns faster than the currents, harvesting renewable energy.Cont… Continue reading 28-ton, 1.2-megawatt tidal kite is now exporting power to the grid

28-ton, 1.2-megawatt tidal kite is now exporting power to the grid

Minesto’s fully operational Dragon 12 looks like some sort of futuristic military drone – but it behaves remarkably like a kite underwater. It uses lift generated by tidal flows to fly patterns faster than the currents, harvesting renewable energy.Cont… Continue reading 28-ton, 1.2-megawatt tidal kite is now exporting power to the grid