From ROV's to Smart Reefs: CMR's Journey supporting Marine Research
KAUST Research Conference on Robotics and Autonomy 2023
Speaker: Andres Espinoza, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Abstract:
This presentation explores the contributions, future capabilities, and advocacy of the KAUST CMR Core Lab in supporting marine research activities in the Red Sea since 2008 and into the future. The CMR team has employed a variety of technologies to collect data and samples from the seabed and water column using various tools and robots. The use of ROVs has enabled the collection of deep-sea corals, exploration of hydrothermal areas, and observation of brine pools. AUVs and USVs, such as the Seaglider, Ocean Aero's Triton, and the Otter from Maritime Robotics, have been utilized for water chemistry sampling and bathymetry at different depths. In addition, autonomous video capture and sensing have been used in coral monitoring labs to capture video and data of aquarium setups. CMR is undergoing a renewal phase to increase our capabilities, such as acquiring a new Research Vessel to reach the full length and depth of the Red Sea and new ROVs for targeted sample collection. We are also upgrading our Life Support System to improve wet lab experimentation and are also developing a Smart reef and underwater technology test bed to provide near-real-time monitoring of sensor grids. Lastly, we are kicking off the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Red Sea chapter. Moreover, the team is exploring future areas, including monitoring and sample collection in fisheries, wet labs for animal behavior, coral reefs, and in situ sample analysis. Overall, the presentation showcases CMR's commitment to advancing marine research and exploration through the use of robotics, cutting-edge technologies, and supporting the development of the next generation of marine technologists in Saudi Arabia.
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Conference:
The KAUST Research Conference on Robotics and Autonomy 2023 (RobotoKAUST 2023)
Organizing Committee:
Eric Feron, Shinkyu Park, Raquel Peixoto
Date:
08-10 May 2023
Venue:
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Website:
https://cemse.kaust.edu.sa/robotokaust
Organization team and volunteers:
Mohamad T. Shahab, Renzo Caballero, Angelica Coronado Preciado, Kuat Telegenov, Mohammed Aldosari, Katja Gorenflot, Jumana Alashi, Hanouf Al-Hattan, Rehab Ashri, Marta Golem, Adeel Akhtar, Jun Chen, Abdullah Alharthi, Altayeb-Moh'd A. Al-Shedayfat, Amin Almozel, Nawaf Alotaibi, Shatha Alzahrani, Lucas Câmara Dantas Bezerra, Salman Ghori, Arman Ibrayeva, Anton Kim, Bilal Maassarani, Obadah Wali, Joanna M. Ogieglo, Norah Alghamdi
The KAUST Robotics, Intelligent Systems, and Control (RISC) Lab:
https://cemse.kaust.edu.sa/risclab