Oceans cover most of Earth’s surface with an average depth of more than two miles. Placing observation equipment anywhere in this vast area is difficult and expensive, yet the oceans provide essential resources, influence climate, and enable human life to exist on land. Understanding them requires detailed observation. Liquid Robotics’ patented Wave Glider unmanned maritime vehicle* (UMV), which uses waves to propel itself, provides a new way to achieve this understanding.
By continuously harvesting energy from the environment, Wave Gliders are able to travel long distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas without ever needing to refuel. A unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads. This means that Wave Gliders can travel to a distant area, collect data, and return for maintenance without ever requiring a ship to leave port.
The Wave Glider is a configurable platform designed to support a wide variety of sensor payloads. It can keep station or travel from point to point. Data is transmitted to shore via satellite, and the continuous surface presence means that data can be delivered as it is collected. Payloads can be installed by customers or integrated by Liquid Robotics.
*U.S. Patent No. 7,371,136
