Bio-inspired ocean exploration technologies

Close-up of a petri dish

The lessons that we learn during in situ and laboratory studies can be used to improve ocean technology that advances exploration and discovery. Some of these improvements can be achieved by enhancing the maneuverability of AUVs and improving the sampling and sorting capability of in situ instrumentation. Research has shown that by manipulating the exit conditions of a propulsor, the resultant thrust can be modified and improved. Investigations based on ROV observations of escaping Humboldt squid and DeepPIV measurements of larvacean in-house flows provide novel methods of fluid transport that could be applied to improve AUV thrust capability while minimizing energy expenditure. In addition, enhanced maneuverability of AUVs can be achieved by introducing thrust vectoring similar to the function of nectophores along the stem of a physonect siphonophore. To improve the sampling capabilities of instrumentation, we need to understand the limits to hydromechanical sensing in invertebrates, fish larvae, and forage species, and design sampling systems so as to not exceed these limits. Finally, by continuing to study the function of larvacean houses and the mechanisms behind their ability to sort particles by size and composition, we can apply these findings to improve the sorting capabilities of in situ instrumentation