Self recharging sensor carrying platform

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Our project aims to develop a new sensor carrying platform, namely an innovative self charging blended wing underwater glider.Oceans cover 71% of the planet's surface. Oceans drive weather, regulate temperature, and ultimately support all living organisms. Oceans are one of the most important components of the climate system. They contribute large reservoirs for heat and carbon. Yet it is reported more than 80% of the ocean is unmapped, unobserved, or unexplored.Our glider incorporates a wave energy converter that allows autonomous recharge at sea. This innovation opens the possibility of a concept of operations based on very long duration, perpetual-presence, minimal supervision, zero ship-time, reduced cost, high power, underwater sensing missions.We believe our integration of the wave energy converter will open the real benefits of autonomous underwater operation. Currently there is significant manned intervention needed for recharging autonomous vehicles, making them only partly autonomous.Our project will improve on the state-of-the-art by addressing key stakeholder requirements including: Long operational life; long distance capability, higher powered sensor capability; zero ship time requirement; reduced costs.The project will deliver a tested prototype of the new glider. The outputs will address critical KPIs and demonstrate the concept, principle and capability of the new glider design.