Enhancing the K2 ROV to Support Coastal Ocean Infrastructure and Science

该奖项提供资金，用于升级康涅狄格大学东北水下研究、技术和教育中心(NURTEC)拥有和运营的Kraken2(K2)遥控潜水器(ROV)的能力。这笔资金将用于将K2？S目前的配置改造成更高效、更灵活、更有能力的“科学级”水下机器人。需要升级的系统包括：绞车；ROV便携式控制部件；高清摄像机；以及机械手。虽然K2不是联合国日内瓦办事处的设施，但已用于支持海洋观测站倡议-S先锋阵列的安装、运行和维护。K2还将支持R/V阿姆斯特朗号的海上试验。预计K2将继续支持美国东海岸大陆架周围的NSF科学需求。更广泛的影响：该奖项的主要更广泛的影响与提案指南(NSF 13-589)的功绩审查标准2相关。它为科学家提供基础设施支持，以支持他们由NSF资助的海洋研究项目(这些项目单独接受NSF相关研究计划的审查)。研究支持基础设施的获取、维护和运营使来自任何美国大学或实验室的NSF资助的科学家能够获得用于其研究的工作、校准的仪器，从而降低了研究成本，并扩大了潜在研究人员的基础。

This award provides funds to upgrade the capabilities of the Kraken2 (K2) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) owned and operated by the University of Connecticut's Northeast Underwater Research, Technology and Education Center (NURTEC). The funding willbe used to transform the K2?s current configuration into a more efficient, flexible and capable "science class" ROV. Systems to be upgraded include: winch; ROV portable control components; HD camera; and, manipulator.Although not a UNOLS facility, the K2 has been used support the installation, operation and maintenance of the Ocean Observatories Initiative?s Pioneer Array. K2 will also support the sea trials of the R/V Armstrong. It is expected that K2 will continue to support NSF science needs around the U.S. east coast continental shelf. Broader Impacts: The principal broader impact of this award is relevant to Merit Review Criterion 2 of the Proposal Guidelines (NSF 13-589). It provides infrastructure support for scientists to use the vehicle in support of their NSF-funded oceanographic research projects (which individually undergo separate review by the relevant research program of NSF). The acquisition, maintenance and operation of research support infrastructure allows NSF-funded scientists from any US university or lab access to working, calibrated instruments for their research, reducing the cost of that research, and expanding the base of potential researchers.