Laverack, initially aspiring to be an aerospace engineer, shifted her focus to ocean robotics after recognizing the lack of comprehensive data hindering the success of micro-robot deployments. "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."
The company's development of a hurricane-resistant robot marks a significant advancement in oceanographic data collection. Traditional methods are often limited during extreme weather events, leaving a void in critical information needed for forecasting and understanding hurricane behavior. The robot is equipped with sensors to measure various parameters, including wave height, water temperature, wind speed, and barometric pressure. The data collected will be transmitted in real-time, providing valuable insights for meteorologists and researchers.
Oshen's approach addresses a long-standing challenge in the field. Laverack discovered the demand for ocean data while attending conferences such as Oceanology International. "Instead, she found people asking if they could pay her to try to collect the data herself," according to TechCrunch. This demand validated her idea and led to the creation of Oshen.
The implications of Oshen's technology extend beyond hurricane monitoring. The data collected by its robots can be used for a variety of applications, including climate modeling, marine navigation, and resource management. By providing more accurate and comprehensive ocean data, Oshen aims to improve our understanding of the ocean environment and its impact on the planet. The company is currently focused on deploying its robots in strategic locations to maximize data collection and impact. Future developments may include expanding the robot's capabilities and exploring new applications for ocean data.
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