Solar-powered drone boats could play pivotal role in forecasting
Meteorological Technology International
By Paul Willis
Dec 10, 2019
A new generation of drone boats powered by renewable energy could help revolutionize the forecasting of ocean-related weather.
A number of companies have begun producing ocean-going prototypes including the Canadian startup Open Ocean Robotics. The startup’s ocean drones can stay at sea for up to a year, continuously collecting data via onboard sensors that include 360° cameras and lidar.
The data can be relayed to the user in real time via satellite. According to Open Ocean Robotics its vessels could easily be fitted out with sensors to measure air temperature, windspeed, barometric pressure and wind direction for marine weather forecasting. READ MORE