Amphibious drone uses remora-inspired disc to hitch underwater rides

While we have heard of a few aerial drones that are also able to operate underwater, a new one takes that concept considerably further. Using a fish-inspired suction disc, it can hitch rides underwater – possibly even on submarines – to save battery po… Continue reading Amphibious drone uses remora-inspired disc to hitch underwater rides

Spider uses film of air to hide underwater for over half an hour

Last year, we heard how anole lizards are able to breathe underwater from an air bubble on their nose. One of the scientists involved in that study has now documented a spider doing something similar – although the bubble covers its whole body.Continue… Continue reading Spider uses film of air to hide underwater for over half an hour

Hydrus packs autonomous ocean exploration tech into a much smaller package

While AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) are invaluable for gathering oceanographic data, they also tend to be fairly large and very expensive. The Hydrus offers a much smaller, less costly alternative, which still packs a lot of punch.Continue Read… Continue reading Hydrus packs autonomous ocean exploration tech into a much smaller package

Solar cells used to boost wireless underwater communications

Radio waves don’t travel well through water, which is why devices such as ROVS (remotely operated vehicles) have to be linked to their operator via a communications cable. According to a new study, however, solar panels may soon allow for practical und… Continue reading Solar cells used to boost wireless underwater communications

The winners of the 2022 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

From oceans to lakes to swimming pools, the Underwater Photographer of the Year contest celebrates all kinds of images taken from below the water’s surface. This year delivers the competition’s most spectacular batch of winners to date including an ext… Continue reading The winners of the 2022 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

Cuttlefish AUV pivots underwater to become a manipulator-armed ROV

When it comes to underwater robots, some tasks are easy to automate, while others are best handled by manual remote control. The Cuttlefish offers the best of both worlds, plus it cleverly changes orientation when using its two manipulator arms.Continu… Continue reading Cuttlefish AUV pivots underwater to become a manipulator-armed ROV

DARPA moves to phase 2 in long-endurance Manta Ray drone program

DARPA has awarded Phase 2 contracts in its Manta Ray program, which aims to build a series of underwater drones capable of taking on long-range, long-endurance, autonomous ocean missions without any human support for charging, maintenance or logistics…. Continue reading DARPA moves to phase 2 in long-endurance Manta Ray drone program