This webinar series investigates different ways technology is being applied to understand the marine environment, with a particular focus on the activity and impacts of vessels that are not using Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders. As a result of this knowledge sharing, community of practice members can apply this range of technologies in new ways to address information needs for a safer marine environment.
Open Ocean Robotics (OOR) produces and operates uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) that allow ocean observations nearly anywhere which include basic maritime domain awareness (MDA) for vessel traffic of all types. The DataXplorer(TM) USV is small (~3.5m long x 1m wide), electrically powered and solar-recharged vessel capable of withstanding severe sea-states using a patented self-righting feature. It is operated remotely from anywhere an internet connection can be made via cellular or satellite modems to stream video and data ashore. It contains cameras which can be both visible and infrared spectrum, an AIS transceiver, and environmental sensors for wind speed and direction, air and water temperature, depth, and speed through water and over ground. It can also be outfitted with special sensors for passive acoustics, profiling instruments, and extra cameras.
The OOR DataXplorer has been used by various Canadian government agencies as well as external organizations for MDA missions, marine mammal monitoring, and marine protected area surveillance. Robotic and autonomous monitoring of commercial shipping routes for activities both on and below the surface to help mitigate risks through observations is entirely possible today using USVs.
About the presenter:
Fritz Stahr, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Open Ocean Robotics
Fritz is the Chief Technology Officer at Open Ocean Robotics in Victoria, BC, a role he has held for the past year. His work there includes guiding research, development, and manufacturing of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) and associated data and control systems. Prior to that he worked in the underwater vehicle and instrument space with profiling floats and ocean gliders, as well as doing research on hydrothermal vents and deep-sea currents using autonomous underwater vehicles. His experience includes production & management, opto-mechanical design, and small non-profit formation. He holds a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.
