Discovery of sea species by robots- edited by Aishee Biswas

The exploration of the ocean's deepest regions is being revolutionized by underwater robots, leading to a transformation in our understanding of marine life. Through the use of aquatic ROVs, researchers have uncovered more than 30 species of ocean life that were previously unknown to humans. These groundbreaking discoveries are just a glimpse of the potential that lies beneath the ocean's surface. Cutting-edge robots are spearheading ocean exploration initiatives, enabling scientists to make remarkable discoveries, such as new species, historic artifacts, and valuable insights into climate change.
 

Using underwater robots,  scientists have discovered more than 30 potentially new species of marine life , most of which have never been collected before. These species were found in the Abyssal Plains of the Pacific Ocean, which begin at a depth of 10,000 feet and present extreme challenges to in-person human exploration due to the water pressure, darkness, and cold. Despite the difficulties, the deep sea is full of opportunities for new discoveries, with an estimated 91% of deep ocean species still undiscovered. Robots have become essential for exploring this extreme environment, as humans have mapped less of the ocean floor than the Moon and Mars.

 

Equipped with cameras and claw-like grippers, the underwater robots were able to capture video and photo footage of the deep-sea environment while also collecting specimens from the ocean floor. The project resulted in the collection of 55 individual samples, comprising 48 different species.
 

There are four main types of underwater ROVs used for ocean exploration, namely work class, light work, observation, and micro/mini. Work class ROVs are the most common for deep sea exploration because they are designed to withstand the intense pressures at the ocean floor.
 

ROVs come in different sizes, allowing scientists to choose the most suitable one for the undersea region they want to explore. At a minimum, ROVs are equipped with a camera and an underwater propulsion system, and they may also have various types of sensors, such as sonar, which is similar to the ability of dolphins to detect things underwater. Sonar is particularly useful in extreme depths because it helps the robot navigate in total darkness.

 

ROVs are often equipped with a tether, which serves multiple purposes. It allows for communication between the robot and remote operator and can relay video footage back to the surface. The tether also serves as a lifeline that can be used to retrieve the robot in an emergency.

 

As technology advances, some new ROVs can operate without a tether. Additionally, AI is being integrated into ROV exploration to automate certain tasks, similar to autonomous drones. ROVs have played a significant role in deep-sea exploration and have connected scientists with remarkable discoveries on the ocean floor.