Liquid Robotics, the US Company behind the project, collected data about the Pacific Ocean‘s temperature, salinity and ecosystem from the drone. The company said its success demonstrated that such technology could “survive the high seas”.
The robot is called Papa Mau in honour of the late Micronesian navigator Pius “Mau” Piailug, who had a reputation for finding ways to navigate the seas without using traditional equipment.
Some of the data it gathered about the abundance of phytoplankton - plant-like organisms that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and provide food for other sea life - could already be monitored by satellite. However, the company suggested that its equipment offered more detail, providing a useful tool for climate model scientists.
Liquid Robotics still has a further three robots at sea. A second is due to land in Australia early next year. Another pair had been heading to Japan, but one of them has suffered damage and has been diverted to Hawaii for repair.
They do not use fuel but instead convert energy from the ocean’s waves, turning it into forward thrust. Solar panels installed on the upper surface of the gliders power numerous sensors that take readings every 10 minutes.
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Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com