Sunday, February 10, 2013

Homeland Security to deploy underwater drones that mimic tuna fish

Homeland Security to deploy underwater drones that mimic tuna fish


With even gossip magazines being (falsely) accused of wanting to deploy aerial drones, it seems like the only place you might be able to escape robotic scrutiny would be somewhere far off at sea. Turns out: not true.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has funded a new underwater robot that can find you even in your underwater lair.
The BIOSwimmer was developed by Boston Engineering Corporation's Advanced Systems Group (ASG) as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) modeled after the shape and swimming mechanics of a tuna fish. According to the DHS, the tuna framework makes the drone perfect for inspecting hard to reach areas in submerged ships and harbors, as well as offering a natural looking design for covert security missions.
The drone can be controlled from a standard laptop computer and is equipped with a battery designed to allow it to remain in remote locations for long durations. ASG director Mike Rufo said, "[The BIOSwimmer] is designed to support a variety of tactical missions and with its interchangeable sensor payloads and reconfigurable Operator Controls, can be optimized on a per-mission basis."
You can see the BIOSwimmer in action in the first 17 seconds of the video below.

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