New Robot, Powered by the Ocean Waves

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For the first time in history: A new naval robot, powered by the ocean waves, will conduct civilian, HLS and military missions throughout the world. It will also defend coasts and naval ports

Two U.S. companies, Liquid Robots and Electronics USSI, are currently developing an underwater robot aimed at coastal defense, port security and intelligence gathering. This unique robot is partially powered by the ocean waves.

The two companies have announced that the system is based on the Wave Glider platform – the first robotic, autonomous platform in the world powered by a combination of wave power and solar energy. Electronics USSI will provide the robot with an acoustic and signal processing system. The system can located targets under the surface based on acoustic waves, transmitting the information to shore-side command stations, ground vehicles and aircraft.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The system is capable of conducting military, civilian and HLS missions such as data collection, scanning large areas, reporting animal presence, coastal defense, port security, various other military missions and monitoring water temperatures and wind speeds. USSI specializes in development of sonar, electronic and acoustic anti-submarine systems, in addition to underwater systems suitable for other missions. It provides acoustic buoys to the U.S. Navy, for example.

The Wave Glider robot is powered by waves and stored solar energy. It’s capable of movement even during harsh conditions, strong currents in the depths and powerful surface winds. It can adapt to rapidly changing conditions at sea. The robot has two parts – one floats on the surface while the other is submerged at a depth of six meters. A special cable connects the two parts. The floating section moves faster due to wave activity, while the submerged section is slower. This difference in speed helps power the robot.