Laverack's journey began with an attempt to participate in the Microtransat Challenge in 2021, a competition focused on building autonomous, sail-powered micro-robots capable of crossing the Atlantic. "I realized half the reason that all of these attempts were failing is, number one, obviously its hard to make micro-robots survive on the ocean," Laverack told TechCrunch. "But number two, they dont have enough data on the ocean to know what the weather is or even know what the ocean conditions are like."
This realization led Laverack to investigate existing ocean data collection methods, attending conferences such as Oceanology International. She discovered a significant gap in reliable data acquisition, with many expressing interest in paying her to collect the necessary information. This demand spurred the creation of Oshen, focusing on developing robust robots capable of withstanding extreme ocean conditions.
The challenge of collecting data in a Category 5 hurricane lies in the extreme conditions, including high winds, massive waves, and potential debris. Traditional data collection methods, such as buoys and research vessels, are often unable to operate safely or effectively in such environments. Oshen's robots are designed to overcome these limitations through durable construction and autonomous navigation.
The data collected by these robots could have a significant impact on weather forecasting, climate modeling, and maritime safety. Accurate real-time data from hurricanes can improve the accuracy of storm predictions, allowing for better preparation and potentially saving lives. Furthermore, the data can contribute to a better understanding of how hurricanes impact ocean ecosystems.
While specific details about the robot's design and deployment strategy remain proprietary, Oshen is continuing to refine its technology and expand its fleet of ocean data-collecting robots. The company's work represents a significant step forward in the field of oceanography and autonomous robotics, with potential benefits for a wide range of industries and scientific disciplines.
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