Robotic Gliders Soar Underwater

zymano writes "Yahoo has this tech news on ocean gliders that can go on journeys for hundreds of miles and last for weeks using pumps that push ballast water in and out to subtly change their buoyancy. This enables them to alternately rise and fall through the ocean as they glide forward. Oh , $60,000 if you want one." See our previous stories for more information.

Comments

Cool Idea

[randall_burns]

I can imagine this basic idea might also get adapted in various ways for non-time critical transport. The hard part here seems like the embedded software/hardware--the other technology is based on stuff that has been around a while.

I have a feeling this is one that really will take off in time.

Re:Imagine the possibilities

[fnj]

I'd bet the US military would love these things. You could easily weaponize these things! From mine sweeping to hunting down enemy subs these things would rock.

I think you have to make a distinction between making into a weapon (true weaponizing), and making a detection/surveillance/tracking system.

Finally, a cruise missile for the masses

[Animats]

At last, the intercontinental torpedo. This is going to go over big with terrorists. Or small countries that need some effective deterrent against US attack.

The next step in weaponization is a torpedo powerplant and seeker. This would be used only in the last stage, when wave motion has brought the thing to a harbor mouth, allowing a final attack run with power. The thing can be launched hundreds of miles offshore. Maybe thousands.

It's back to submarine nets, like WWII. SOSUS isn't going to pick this up; it's just drifting sea junk most of the time.

Re:I wonder

[Thud457]

The less real power you have, the greater the importance of saving face. (That's why dissing someone in the ghetto will get your ass shot. Or stabbebeded.)

They couldn't rescue those men, so obviously, it couldn't be done. Can't be shown up by those Americans, you know.

Re:not so fast....

[rocketsled]

Since the Navy has been backing it I'd say that this is autonomous sensor or worse autonomous weapon. So swimmin' with the fishies is not at the top of their priorities.