Studio Aquatic Correspondence:
I am creating a "school" of self- contained autonomous robotic "fish." I use quotations here as, technically the likeness to a "school" would be characterized by it's flocking behavior, and " Fish" would be that it was an aquatic entity.In application they will be much closer to mini-submarines.This decision is based on limitations of time, and a lack of external funding.I have resolved that I would rather create the behavior and functionality, than consume my time with fluid dynamics, ballast tanks and robotics.Through the work of Professor Housheng Hu and his newly released Robotic fish, as well as the work at MIT in the TowTank, it is certainly a very real possibility to attain life-like simulation.One that I hope to pursue in the future.Additionally I have found that there are currently quite a few projects being developed that utilize collective data processing.However as a start, I must begin small, and simply.
Ideally this "school" would be comprised of virtually an unlimited number of "Fish" utilizing Ultrasonic sensors, a wireless network as well as a self contained energy source for data transmission.The use of multiple Ultrasonic sensors within the same field is a very real, and arguably impossible step, crossover may be impossible to avoid.The next problem is communication.Through my research I have found that the AquaComm acoustic modem could be possibility.However the cost of this device is well outside my budget.Initially I was looking at LWWAA which is in development by Northrop Grumman for the Virginia class of submarines.My own applications do not require so precise an instrument.I have found that it would be much cheaper and smaller, to use a single chip transceiver such as the nRF2401A, for communication.It is very important to note that I am not interested in off-shore deep sea navigation rather an inshore system with depth not exceeding 9m.
Additionally,I envision an interactivity within the school as control could be handed to a user, or a group of users, to illuminate the social dynamic of cooperation and cohabitation. I envision solar receptors that would charge and replenish these "Fish." The PowerMax Ultra 25 made by Shell would be ideal.In further generations I envision the utilization of an imaging device that could provide remote "web-cam" observations.In addition I realize, especially in the open-water iteration, the importance of GPS tracking, as well as the importance of data logging via a satellite linking system.The INTELSAT system, which is part of the Oceanographic Data Link (ODL) is a fine example of this function.
Once implemented additional environmental sensors could be added, such as salinity, IR, and temperature sensors.Due to the extremely small size, navigational capabilities would be greatly improved. The addition of these sensors would allow for the close tracking of individual fish, in a non-threatening way, within their own environment.Which is a research benefit that is not currently available. I also envision the schools ability to, in essence, solidify for protection.This tightened network could also function as a method for proximal data transmission.This school could also serve as undetectable reconnaissance vessels.
Another possibility for this project could entail a processing mother ship and a series of lighter satellite entities.On a larger scale I see the ability to navigate through open water as an innovation in itself.This eventuality is far in the distance but is important as it indicates the scope of this vision.My greatest interest however is long range remote connectivity.If it were possible for a user connected to network in Iowa to navigate through the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in a real-world interactive environment the benefits, beyond education and general wonder would be limitless.
In the realm of Science I see this project as providing a necessary tool for discovery.Ideally it could provide a low impact, highly responsive medium for data collection.As in the real world the "school" would provide protection, as well as enable a number of specialists to encounter and discover collectively, remotely and most importantly simultaneously.One would be hard pressed to find a single researcher in the field who felt connected to the global intellect that this project makes possible.Within the field of aquaculture these devices would become not only a monitoring instrument for environmental change but for the health of the fish within the pen.Here again the benefits of a co-habitating monitoring device are limitless.The trouble with aquaculture is catching the spread of disease before it is too late.In this case a compromised fish, who would indicate infection almost immediately, could be located and identified.This would be especially useful for remote offshore pens.
In nature, and the cause of this schooling behavior, is for survival.This survival could include the search for food, or the protection from predators.What occurs in this environment is a collective consciousness. Each part of the whole is as important as the next for overall survival of the group.This, I believe, if my fundamental interest in this application, as by-in-large I feel that somehow society fails to recognize this vital interconnectivity.
I envision the first generation of "fish" to inhabit a small simple tank.This will be the testing ground.As development progresses capabilities will be added, and the network fine tuned.So that eventually it is possible that this semi-autonomous "school" to be released into a natural environment. At this stage, and for a rather effective use of this technology, this school could be released into larger tanks.The new 8M gallon tank in Atlanta would be a perfect venue, As would be the smaller, though equally grand, tank at the new England Aquarium in Boston.If during the tour visitors will given the ability to actually navigate inside the tank, via a small interactive submarine, the result would be monumental.Even a "Fish" within a school that could flash an LED within the large tank at the push of a button would serve a vital role in the inclusion of that participant.Initially my first goal here is to transcend these aquatic barriers.
For the first prototype I am looking into establishing an ultrasonic navigation field using current fish finder technology.Ideally I would like to find a Transducer manufacturer that would be willing to provide me with a few sample devices.I am researching the most effective transducer for this application.I have found a body that I believe is large enough to house the necessary components, which is currently on order.I will be working first in a tank to troubleshoot the specifics of ultrasonic navigation.What I am looking for is an omnidirectional multi-channel underwater transducer.I have contacted ITI in California and they helped me establish which of their products best suit my needs.However my budget at the moment is quite small, so I have had to make amendments to the design.The difficulty will be tuning an array of omnidirectional sensors while multiple servo motors propel the craft, and multiple transceivers operate simultaneously.
Through discussions with my colleges we believe it is possible to program the flocking behaviors in software once this occurs.An additional method to achieve this that we are currently researching is navigation based upon a central "brain" that determines satellite placement within a three dimensional grid system.This method, we realize is a less resilient application as the school would simply be in formation and thusly the individual functionality and autonomy would be lost.
Since I can remember, have had a very close, perhaps spiritual connection with the sea.As an undergraduate student at the University of Maine, most of my courses revolved around Marine Biology and Aquaculture, which was my first major.Since, I have retained an adamant love, and an active role is preserving, maintaining and cherishing our global resources.A passion made more poignant as water comprises more than 80% of our small planet.I feel that there is arguably nothing more beautiful than the combined intelligence found in a school of fish, or a flock of birds.The collaborative concordant mystery is both engaging and contemplative, it is a compelling window into a world where both symmetry and chaos rule.A flock of sheep grazing in a field, how is the leader chosen?Pigeons in a park, who decides suddenly it is time to take flight? It is as though life itself has a design, and that design is an example of a unified interactive interconnectivity through which all living things can and do subscribe.I am interested in pursuing the possibilities of collaborative underwater navigation, research and discovery.I have chosen water as a medium because the barrier, especially for electronics, is one that is universally known and understood.The dynamics of aquatic implementation enable a personal connection for all viewers on a molecular scale.As a researcher I feel that the sub-aquatic boundary is indeed our final frontier.
I am contacting you for advice, insight and perhaps collaboration.This is a very complex process, and one that requires more than what I have immediately available.At the end of my graduate studies I would like to achieve implementation, and I do not believe I can do it with the help, of people such as yourself.I have been referred to you, through my advisors, my research, and through my belief that this project may be of interest to your own professional research and development.
At this point I am additionally also looking for interested parties who would be interested in helping to fund this project.The largest hurdles for this process are the financial constraints posed by underwater circuitry.It is due to this that I will be pursuing technology that previously has not been used for this application, or is as inexpensive as possible.I am asking for your assistance, any help that you can provide, or referrals, will not only be greatly appreciated but will be dually noted in all credits and publications.If the proper sources can be aligned from the start then inevitably the final product will not only be successful but readily marketable, which is a concern, as the sacrifice of precision will too sacrifice functionality. A reality I hope to avoid. My final request is that I am looking for an internship this summer that will augment my education in this field.