AVAST is a hub for innovation and collaboration in the David Center for Ocean Innovation (est. 2022) on WHOI's Quissett Campus. Here, WHOI staff and students leverage AVAST resources to pursue new projects that push the envelope of ocean technologies and applications.
Highbay Area and Project Space
The Innovation Hub includes a two-story, 3.026 sqft highbay, one 1,558 sqft Large Project Room, and two 575 sqft Project Rooms-- one primarily for electronic work and the other primarily for mechanical work.
Indoor Test Tanks
AVAST's high bay area houses two indoor test tanks suitable for instrument and sensor projects. "Ernie" (pictured left) is primarily for instrument dunk testing and ballasting (fresh water). "Bert" is designed to support studies requiring real-time manipulation or characterization of physical or chemical attributes (salt water).
DunkWorks
DunkWorks provides a suite of advance prototyping tools for general purpose use, as well as dedicated use by projects and programs resident in the Innovation Hub.
Advanced Fabrication Lab
The second floor of the David Center houses the Advanced Fabrication Lab, or "Fab Lab". This WHOI satellite shop supports AVAST and other WHOI units with CNC machining expertise.
AVAST Social Hub
AVAST's central social hub is available for general use by the WHOI community. It has a social area, a smaller 'cave' for small collaborations, large-format video displays, two small huddle areas, and a food service area. The glass wall can also be opened to combine the spaces of Social Hub and Room 113.
AVAST Room 113
AVAST Room 113 contains videoconferencing equipment and a central table for up to twenty-five people. It is used for conferences, classes, and more.