Mesobot, Woods Hole Oceanographic's New Robot
WHOI's New Deep Sea Photographer
Mesobot
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has rolled out a new underwater, deep diving robot. It's called Mesobot and is extremely quiet, so as not to disturb its photographic subjects - sea creatures. This new robot is designed to deliver pictures of underwater life never seen to this extent before. It can operate for 48 hour long dives at depths hundreds or thousands of feet below the surface. It is nearly autonomous, needing very little human intervention.
Multi-Tasker
The robot is four feet tall and moves with 6 large, low power thrusters that make no disturbing sounds. Its LED lights can turn red which most sea creatures can't see. Mesobot is a mutlitasker. It uses stereo cameras to spot targeted creatures and can follow them around on its own. A 12 megapixel camera can shoot video and pictures. There's a particulate sampler that can collect traces of DNA floating in the water. The robot can also analyze water conditions such as salt and oxygen levels.
On Duty This Summer
WHOI scientists expect to put Mesobot through testing very soon. And the robot will be making its first working dives this summer.
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| Source: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution |
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has rolled out a new underwater, deep diving robot. It's called Mesobot and is extremely quiet, so as not to disturb its photographic subjects - sea creatures. This new robot is designed to deliver pictures of underwater life never seen to this extent before. It can operate for 48 hour long dives at depths hundreds or thousands of feet below the surface. It is nearly autonomous, needing very little human intervention.
Multi-Tasker
The robot is four feet tall and moves with 6 large, low power thrusters that make no disturbing sounds. Its LED lights can turn red which most sea creatures can't see. Mesobot is a mutlitasker. It uses stereo cameras to spot targeted creatures and can follow them around on its own. A 12 megapixel camera can shoot video and pictures. There's a particulate sampler that can collect traces of DNA floating in the water. The robot can also analyze water conditions such as salt and oxygen levels.
On Duty This Summer
WHOI scientists expect to put Mesobot through testing very soon. And the robot will be making its first working dives this summer.
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