Fleet of high-tech robot 'gliders' to explore oceans
Monday, January 18, 2010 - 01:14
in Earth & Climate
Researchers in Germany recently obtained the biggest fleet of so-called gliders in Europe. These instruments can explore the oceans like sailplanes up to a depth of 1000 meters. In doing so they only consume as much energy as a bike light. In the next years, up to ten of these high-tech instruments will take measurements to better understand many processes in the oceans. Currently scientists and technicians are preparing the devices for their first mission as a 'swarm' in the tropical Atlantic.