The German underwater robotics company EvoLogics has introduced an enhanced version of the Quadroin autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with improved functionality for marine exploration and monitoring.
The Quadroin, which debuted in May 2021, attracted attention for its unusual appearance, resembling a penguin. The AUV, developed for quick surveying and surveillance duties, makes use of EvoLogics' experience with low-drag bionic design, which comes from a lot of research.
Years of research on penguin mobility by Dr. Rudolf Bannasch, the founder of EvoLogics, directly impacted the hydrodynamic design of the AUV, per IEN. Dr. Bannasch utilized the knowledge from this study to create the Quadroin.
Notably, penguins, particularly the Gentoos, are considered as among the fastest swimming birds in the world. They can swim with speeds up to 36 kilometers per hour (22 mph).
Revolutionizing Ocean Research
In partnership with Hereon, the largest non-university research institution in Schleswig-Holstein, EvoLogics developed the first generation of Quadroin prototypes for the Helmholtz Association's MOSES (Modular Observation Solutions for Earth Systems). MOSES focuses on heat waves, hydrological extremes, ocean eddies, and permafrost melting.
"The objective is to build up an infrastructure that is capable of capturing, with as much detail as possible, the direct impact of such events on environmental systems. One of this observation system's modules will be a mobile swarm of several Quadroin autonomous underwater vehicles to collect data in ocean eddies," the firm stated on its site.
Penguin Robot Features
The latest version of the Quadroin features increased hydrodynamic qualities. The underwater drone's streamlined design enables speeds of up to 10 knots, enhancing deployment capabilities and reducing energy consumption.
"The low-drag penguin-shaped design allows to minimize energy consumption and facilitates flexible deployments at sea. The swarm of small, fast and maneuverable Quadroin AUVs is to operate in the study area over extended periods without returning to the surface, " according to the company.
With a length of 1,120 mm (44 in) and a weight of less than 55 pounds (25 kg), the Quadroin maximizes hydrodynamic efficiency with a penguin-inspired spindle-shaped design, as per a report from Interesting Engineering. With the help of four X-shaped horizontal thrusters, the AUV can move quickly and precisely across underwater conditions.
One of the improvements is a multifunctional antenna that automatically collapses to increase durability and communication range when the device surfaces. Equipped with surface communication modules and an inbuilt modem for underwater communication and location, the Quadroin AUV ensures a smooth connection with operators.
The most recent Quadroin prototypes include sensors installed to gather geo-referenced data on several aspects of the water. With its increased sensor payload capacity, the updated model allows for real-time item classification using AI-driven algorithms as well as acoustic seabed photography.
Utilizing next-generation components in its hardware systems and propulsion, the Quadroin underwater drone delivers enhanced performance and dependability.
The new Quadroin is expected to go into production in the fourth quarter of this year.
EvoLogics presented the latest version of the penguin-inspired underwater drone at this year's Oceanology International in London last month.
