WHOI KelpBot Field Test #1

Location: Saco Bay, Maine

During the last week of May, our team traveled to Saco Bay, Maine to work alongside macroalgae researchers at the University of New England. We tested one of our REMUS AUV’s equipped with a sophisticated split beam sonar system, environmental sensors and cameras along their sugar kelp line.

In addition to the AUV, we deployed an ROV and a swimmer (Thanks Sean) in order to efficiently test and compare camera systems (360, still and video) and to help operate in very shallow (11 feet) with sweeping water currents amongst rock piles and small islands.

Our sonar system was able to detect the line and the kelp which will allow for us to develop autonomy software for autonomous line following with the AUV, one of our larger project goals!