June 2021 — Autonomous Surface Vessels
Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) are hi-tech boats that operate on the surface of the water without a crew. Four of these types of drones now operate at the University of Delaware courtesy of Ocean Infinity (OI), a leading marine robotics company, in order to try to better unlock their capabilities and discover how and in what areas they work best.
Stationed at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp campus in Lewes, the 24-foot long ASVs will allow for hands-on learning and research opportunities for students and faculty in UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment (CEOE) as they collaborate with OI to advance the capabilities of the technology.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to work alongside the University and learn from what they’re learning,” said Josh Broussard, the chief technology officer for OI. “Likewise, what we’re seeing in industry, we can take back to the University. To me, it’s about partnership, being able to work together with other experts in the field and share knowledge and try to grow that autonomous technology together.”
Art Trembanis, a professor in CEOE’s School of Marine Science and Policy, has been integral in fostering the relationship with Ocean Infinity. According to him, there is no other academic group in the world with one of these vessels, let alone four.
“Getting access to this equipment is incredible. Each of these systems could be a treasure trove for our students,” said Trembanis. “It opens up new research and funding potentials for us on our side, and it opens new opportunities for Ocean Infinity to advance their technology. It really is a win-win and a chance to highlight our college’s robotics hub that we are working hard to build and maintain.”
For OI, in addition to having the UD researchers and students helping improve the technology, operating out of Lewes gives them a strategic position in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Learn more about ASVs in the June 2021 episode of SeaTalk.
Notable Dates in June
June is National Ocean Month, a time to celebrate and learn about our world ocean. Check out the NOAA’s official celebration page for ways to learn and explore.
June 8 — On World Oceans Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor our ocean, which connects us all. Get together with your family, friends, community, and millions of others around our blue planet to start creating a better future. Learn more at the official webpage.
June 15 — Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that encourages discovering wind energy, its power and the possibilities it holds to reshape our energy systems and to decarbonise our economies and boost jobs and growth. To learn more about wind power in Delaware, visit the official webpage of UD’s Center for Research in Wind.
June 17 —The Ocean Currents Lecture Series from UD’s College of Earth, Ocean & Environment, continues this summer from June to August, free and open to the public. In the June 17th talk, DESG’s coastal hazards specialist, Danielle Swallow, will present about the threats facing towns, infrastructure and populations because of increased coastal flooding. Swallow will also provide practical information about how individuals and communities can prepare to better weather the next incident. To register for any of the Ocean Currents events, visit the official registration page.
June 28 - July 1st — The Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Education Conference is a unique convening of formal and non-formal educators to share and learn about the latest trends in climate change education. This year, the MACCE conference will once again be hosted virtually. Click here to learn more and register