A team of researchers working out of the University of Texas at El Paso have developed an autonomous boat that is capable of conducting accurate surveys of water bodies ranging from lakes and rivers to oceans.
The circle-shaped craft eschews rudders and instead operates with the help of a quadrant of thrusters that enable it to travel at speeds of up to five feet per second. Fitted with a lithium-battery as well as a solar panel, the boat is capable of offering four hours of operation out at sea. The boat is also capable of initiating its return journey when it detects that battery power is low.
As far as survey capabilities go, this particular autonomous boat is designed to carry out bathymetric surveys, which are surveys of terrain as well as depth and underwater topography, without having to rely on a team of several individuals.
The autonomous boat is set to make its debut in carrying out surveys of the Rio Grande River.
Water-Mapping Autonomous Boats
This Boat Can Carry Out Accurate Surveys Of Underwater Terrain
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