Laverack's path to founding Oshen began with an ambition to become an aerospace engineer, which shifted after she recognized the need for better ocean data collection during an autonomous robotics challenge. In 2021, she participated in the Microtransat Challenge, an event focused on building and deploying autonomous sail-powered micro-robots across the Atlantic Ocean. Despite her efforts, like all other participants, she was unsuccessful. "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 a need for improved solutions and even offering to pay for data collection services. This demand validated her idea, leading to the creation of Oshen.
The company's robots are designed to collect a variety of oceanographic data, including temperature, salinity, wave height, and current speed, even within the turbulent environment of a Category 5 hurricane. This data is crucial for improving weather forecasting, understanding climate change impacts, and supporting maritime operations. The ability to gather data in extreme conditions sets Oshen's technology apart from traditional methods, which are often limited by weather constraints.
While specific technical details of the robot's design have not been fully disclosed, it is understood that the robots incorporate advanced materials and engineering to withstand the forces exerted by hurricane-force winds and waves. The robots are also equipped with sensors and communication systems to transmit data in real-time.
Oshen's development has the potential to significantly impact various industries, including meteorology, oceanography, and maritime transportation. By providing more accurate and timely ocean data, the company aims to improve weather predictions, enhance the safety of maritime operations, and contribute to a better understanding of ocean dynamics. The company is currently focused on deploying its robots in key areas prone to extreme weather events, with plans to expand its data collection network in the future.
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