Robots carry out research on Cape Verdean sea bed

21/01/2010

The sophisticated robots, which were designed by German engineers, have been operating in Cape Verdean waters for a number of days now on an autonomous mission.

Controlled by satellite, the robots are able to go as deep as 1,000 meters and transmit real-time information. The mechanisms work with the same volume of energy as a bicycle, according to Bruo Faria, who is familiar with the details of the mission.

“The scientists connected to this mission are investigating underwater volcanic structures, and they’ve already collected some interesting information, namely on a number of extinct volcanoes,” says the volcanology specialist, adding that the mission will only dock on São Vicente because of a technical problem in its equipment.

The robots were designed at the Leibnitz Institute of Marine Sciences, located in the German city of Kiel. The yellow robots move in a zigzag pattern and can function autonomously for weeks or even months. Similar missions with lower-capacity robots were carried out successfully between August and October of 2009 to the south of Cape Verde.

Although it is not among their objectives, at least not as far as the researchers have stated, it is known that underwater robots have been used to locate shipwrecks and discover mineral deposits.

The robots, which are also known as ROVs, are remote-controlled underwater vehicles that permit the observation of the sea bed and underwater structures. The connection between the vehicle and the surface takes place though a cable that allows for bi-directional communication and energy supply.

The use of an ROV allows scientists to carry out research at greater depths and for longer periods than with the use of divers.