In the “eyes” of a robot, outer space and the deep ocean can look pretty similar. Both environments require autonomous operations in harsh conditions. This shared challenge led teams at Johnson Space Center to apply their technical expertise on ‘Robonaut’ to an ocean-based robot, known as ‘Aquanaut’.
Traditionally, submersible robots have cables attaching them to support vessels for high-speed data transmission and directional controls. Needing such vessels is expensive and environmentally unfriendly, emitting about 70 metric tons of greenhouse gasses per day. Aquanaut doesn’t require a vessel – it can communicate wirelessly with crews on land, improving the efficiency, sustainability, and safety standards of underwater tasks in the maritime industry!
Check out the links below to learn more about how NASA’s technology can dive into the ocean!
NASA Space Robotics Dive into Deep-Sea Work
Team Behind Robonaut Now Working on Underwater Shapeshifting Robot Called Aquanaut
