Remote Underwater Exploration
Engineers at South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology are developing a new ROV that doesn’t use propellers, rather is based on a salamander with fins and “flexible backbone” for locomotion. Named HERO-BLUE, this vehicle can crawl, walk, swim and wriggle through shallow-water areas not accessible by ROVs.
Full article at: CyberGuy.com 29apr24
NOAA just announced that the world is currently experiencing a global coral bleaching event – the fourth global event on record and the second in the last 10 years!
“As the world’s oceans continue to warm, coral bleaching is becoming more frequent and severe,” [Derek Manzello, Ph.D. and NOAA CRW coordinator] said. “When these events are sufficiently severe or prolonged, they can cause coral mortality, which hurts the people who depend on the coral reefs for their livelihoods.”
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, News & Features
Full article at: NOAA 15apr24
A “digital twin” is a virtual copy of a physical object or system that uses real-time data to monitor and simulate behaviour. This modelling can then identify and address issues before they occur, potential revolutionising how organisations operate and innovate.
Several ocean digital twin projects are already underway to recognize and try to anticipate the impacts on global environmental change on ecosystems.
One such project has completed field tests in near Ishigaki Island, Okinawa in Japan. Fujitsu, the National Maritime Research Institute, National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology (NMRI), successfully acquired precise 3D data for mapping coral reefs, using AUVs, LiDAR and AI.
Full article at: Electronics Media 26mar24
Scientists in the Pacific Northwest are making the case for separate identification of two orca populations.
Orcas, also known as Killer whales, are one of the most widespread animals on Earth and have long been known as only one species, Orcinus orca, with different forms in various regions known as “ecotypes.”
Biologists have increasingly recognised differences between “resident” and “Bigg’s” ecotypes. Resident killer whales maintain tight-knit family pods and prey on salmon and other marine fish. Bigg’s killer whales, sometimes known as transients, roam in smaller groups, preying on other marine mammals such as seals and whales. (Killer whales actually belong to the dolphin family.)
Full details available at: NOAA Fisheries 27mar24
Blue Robotics has identified a potential issue with their Mount for USB Camera (BR-100254) affecting the Low-Light USB Camera (BR-100126) updated in November 2021. The camera mount did not provide for the relocation of three resistors on the left side of the camera so, when mounted, the camera would press directly on these (very small) parts. Depending on the torque used to fasten the camera to the mount, some or all of these resistors could crack, leading to the camera’s failure.
If you have experienced a recent camera failure, please take high resolution photos of the board (see example below) and, if you bought the camera from us, contact us for a replacement camera and mount (make sure to supply photos).
If you sourced the camera from Blue Robotics directly, please use this link to contact Blue Robotics Support to log your issue.