Surfing Robots Are Now Patrolling the Great Barrier Reef

Robots can do many things, including surfing. Computer World Australia reports that the Wave Glider, as the machine is called, just finished a weeklong, 200-mile journey to check on the reef and report back to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).

The Great Barrier Reef’s enormous size makes it difficult for scientists to collect important data.

Currently, the organization sends tools out to the ocean to gather intel, which is sent back from a buoy or collected by workers. At some point, instruments wear out, break and need to be fixed, requiring time and labor. This way, AIMS can better utilize their employees for more important matters.

AIMS ships need servicing once or twice a year, and fixing them is a complex operation, Llewelyn explains in the story. Instead of using valuable personnel hours and resources on the repair, the robot can help.

UCJ, UNILORIN.