One of the critical components of CINAPS is the sensing and actuation technology. CINAPS platforms are used to address the scientific questions of the various projects we work on. The platforms themselves are the subject of engineering study - the algorithms and software on each are being continually refined as the CINAPS team develops better ways of configuring and designing robot networks. Each project, and the associated sampling sites, is driven by its own scientific questions. Therefore, sites are equipped with the necessary, specialized instrumentation for answering these diverse questions. Each robotic platform can be outfitted with a variety of sensors that specialize in measuring such variables as: temperature, salinity, depth, various light properties, surface and subsurface current speed and direction, chlorophyll fluorescence, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, etc. As described on this page, some of the platforms are mobile, while others are stationary.

Autonomous Platforms

Slocum Glider

Slocum Glider:

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that moves vertically & horizontally by variable buoyancy through the water column utilizing onboard sensors to gather data about local physical and biological conditions.

Robotic Boat

Robotic Boat:

An autonomous platform for sampling in waters too shallow for gliders (i.e. marinas). Wireless communication with shore-stations and powerful on board computers make them robust and adaptable tools for gathering data.

 

Fixed Platforms

HF Radar

High Frequency (HF) Radar:

A high frequency radio that is used to measure ocean surface currents and waves.

Water Quality Buoy

Water Quality Platform:

A platform for monitoring water quality and meteorological conditions by utilization of various sensors.

Oceanographic Buoy

Coastal Monitoring Buoy:

A moored buoy consisting of sensors that provide high temporal resolution data for both meteorological and oceanographic parameters.

 

Profiling Platforms

Oceanographic Profiler

Oceanographic Profiler:

A vertically profiling sensor platform used to measure the distribution and variability of both physical and optical properties of the water column.