Delivery of Japan’s First Long-term Ocean Observation Network
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Delivery of Japan’s First Long-term Ocean Observation Network

Liquid Robotics, USA, and its Japanese partner, Hydro Systems Development (HSD), have successfully delivered the first fleet of Wave Gliders to the Japan Coast Guard. Liquid Robotics and HSD will assist the Japan Coast Guard in deploying eight Wave Gliders for a multi-year mission providing autonomous observation and situational awareness of ocean currents, wave activity and weather along Japan’s coastlines. This is the first ocean observation network in Japan’s history that will provide comprehensive and economical monitoring of Japan’s ocean conditions.

Wave Gliders are long-duration, environmentally friendly ocean-going unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) that collect and communicate real-time ocean data without using fuel. This is the largest fleet deployment of Wave Gliders in Japan. Data collected by the fleet will provide real-time information for the Japan Coast Guard’s operational use. Missions by four of the JCG Regional Branches are planned imminently.

Tsunami Detection

With support from Liquid Robotics, HSD has led customer missions ranging from typhoon tracking, to tsunami detection, to general oceanographic studies using Wave Gliders. The Wave Glider returned excellent results and recorded long-term, time-series data information that was not possible with traditional survey vessels. The data have led to a better understanding of the environmental conditions in and around Japan with improved national-level safety and disaster resilience.

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