Data Xplorer – Open Ocean Robotics

About Data Xplorer

Data Xplorer is a solar powered ocean drone, also called an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). Powered only by the sun, it can travel on the ocean for months at a time collecting ocean and environmental data using its suite of sensors. It sends that information back in real-time through secure communication systems and clients can control the USV from anywhere in the world using our user portal. Capable of travelling both in coastal waters and the open ocean, and with a customizable platform for multiple sensor integration, it offers the ability to understand our oceans in a whole new way.

Specifications

View downloadable Data Xplorer Specifications Brochure.

Advantages We Offer

Ease of Use

Data Xplorer can be easily deployed from a boat launch ramp and autonomously driven to its mission site, whether that’s just along the coast or thousands of miles away in the middle of the ocean. When the mission is done, Data Xplorer will drive itself back to a boat ramp or other location for retrieval. Transporting it is also easy. It’s light enough to be carried by two people and can be moved on a trailer or in the back of a truck.

Durability

This USV was made to endure the unforgiving conditions of the ocean. It is self-righting and heavily ruggedized so that it can withstand repeated capsizes. Its shallow keel is reinforced, and the motor protected from entanglement, so that it can travel in shallow waters and areas where it might encounter seaweed, fishing line and other debris.

Maneuverability

Data Xplorer can be precisely controlled to voyage the desired route, conduct a grid survey or loiter in place. Its electric pod motor and advanced lithium ion battery storage system allows energy to be intelligently deployed, ensuring that the USV is always under control. Its speed is also highly controllable, allowing optimal speeds for data collection and burst speeds to overcome currents or keep pace with tracked targets. Using an exchangeable pod motor system, the USV can travel up to 12 knots for short term missions and averages 2 knots in endurance missions of up to a year.

Endurance

Capable of travelling continuously for up to a year, Data Xplorer offers the opportunity to collect data for an extended period of time and voyage to the most remote parts of our oceans. Every element of this USV has been designed for endurance. Its systems are extremely energy efficient and the USV’s streamlined shape maximizes its speed with minimal power. Components are all designed to be maintenance free for extended periods and superior anti-fouling methods reduce the impact of biofouling on the USV and sensors.

What We Measure

Data Xplorer is a platform for a range of oceanographic and environmental sensors. All of our USVs measure a basic set of parameters including wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, water temperature, wave height, wave period, water depth, and solar intensity. In addition, we can integrate sensors to measure ocean currents, fish stock populations, chlorophyll, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, as well as multibeam surveying and more. Other custom sensors can also be integrated, either by us or our customers, and we have payload bays with standardized connectors and integration packages to facilitate the process.