# Eco-Energized Underwater Robots SOLO-TREC is Set To Revolutionize Ocean Research By Marissa Liu | Published 2010-04-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solo-trec References: [sciencedaily](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100405142152.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:) The Sounding Oceanographic Lagrangrian Observer Thermal RECharging--or SOLO-TREC for short--is the world's first underwater robot powered only by thermal energy. The vehicle is therefore not limited by a depleting energy source and can stay underwater for long periods of time. SOLO-TREC was developed by researchers from [NASA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology) Jet Propulsion Lab, [Scripps Institution of Oceanography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardiac-risk-screening-app) and the [US Navy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Additive-Hybrid). The 1.7 watts of energy needed to power SOLO-TREC is derived from the temperature differences found at varying ocean depths. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Thermal Energy-powered Vehicles:** Developing vehicles powered solely by thermal energy could revolutionize various industries by providing a sustainable and unlimited source of power. - **Extended Underwater Operations:** Advancements in underwater robots like SOLO-TREC enable longer operational periods, creating opportunities for industries such as ocean research, offshore energy, and underwater construction. - **Collaborative Research and Development:** The collaboration between NASA, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the US Navy for the development of SOLO-TREC highlights the potential for innovative partnerships to drive disruptive advancements in technology and research. ### Who This Affects Most - **Ocean Research:** The development of thermal energy-powered underwater robots presents new possibilities for conducting extensive and prolonged ocean research without the constraints of limited power sources. - **Offshore Energy:** Thermal energy-powered vehicles like SOLO-TREC could transform offshore energy operations by providing a sustained power supply for underwater monitoring and maintenance tasks. - **Underwater Construction:** The extended operational capabilities of underwater robots utilizing thermal energy open up opportunities for more efficient and cost-effective underwater construction projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Water-Mapping Autonomous Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermapping-autonomous-boats.md) - [Autonomous Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-underwater-robot.md) - [Algae-Powered Rover Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-rover.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Self-Dock Aquatic Robot Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roboturtle.md) - [Self-Operating Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-inspection-underwater-robot-underwater-visual-inspection.md) - [Ocean Data Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cstar.md) - [Powerfully Versatile Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerfully-versatile-underwater-drone.md) - [Agile Underwater Exploration Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youcan-robotics-oceaneye.md)