Deep Ocean Surveyor:  Our Non-Invasive 6000M Towable Research Vehicle

Our research vehicle is engineered to traverse to the abyssal zones—those remote stretches of the ocean floor that remain largely unexplored. With the ability to reach depths of up to 6000 meters.  Designed for towing behind a research vessel, our Deep Ocean Surveyor (DOS) allows for controlled surveys over extended horizontal distances, which is especially valuable for mapping, habitat characterization, and resource assessment.

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Key Features and Instrumentation

A successful deep-sea exploration mission hinges on high-quality data collection. The research vehicle integrates several state-of-the-art technologies for imaging, sensing, and navigation:

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​​Hyperspectral Imaging

One of the vehicle’s most advanced features is its hyperspectral imaging system. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture images in three color bands (red, green, and blue), hyperspectral imagers collect data across hundreds of wavelengths. This granularity allows researchers to discern subtle differences in material composition, detect biological signatures, and monitor changes in environmental conditions.  We have paired this powerful tool with AI-assisted image learning via Google Cloud’s Vertex AI for faster interpretation of the data cubes, enabling us to identify minerals and disregard biological contaminants quickly.  Applications include:

• Mapping mineral deposits and sediment types

• Identifying and cataloging benthic species

• Detecting pollution, chemical plumes, or algal blooms

• Monitoring biogeochemical processes

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Still and Video Cameras

The vehicle is equipped with ultra-high definition still and video cameras, capable of capturing crystal-clear imagery under challenging conditions. Low-light sensors and specialized optics enable the real-time documentation of elusive deep-sea fauna, geological formations, and ongoing processes. These visual records are invaluable for taxonomic studies, behavioral research, and environmental monitoring.

• Still camera: Used for high-resolution photographic archives

• Video camera: Provides continuous footage for behavioral analysis and habitat surveys

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Sonar Systems

To complement optical imaging, the vehicle employs advanced sonar systems, including side-scan and multibeam sonar. Sonar imaging enables the mapping of broader areas and the detection of objects or features that are obscured by turbidity or darkness. It is particularly effective for:

• Topo-bathymetric mapping

• Locating subsea structures or shipwrecks

• Assessing sediment distribution and seafloor morphology

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Lighting Array

The deep ocean is devoid of natural light below the photic zone. The research vehicle’s lighting system utilizes energy-efficient, high-intensity LEDs, designed to minimize disturbance to marine life while maximizing image clarity. Adaptive controls allow operators to adjust intensity and direction, ensuring optimal conditions for each scenario.

• Customizable light patterns for biological studies

• Low-glare settings to reduce backscatter in turbid conditions

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Photogrammetry

A pivotal feature of our research vehicle is its integrated photogrammetry system. By capturing overlapping high-resolution images from multiple perspectives, photogrammetry enables the creation of precise 3D models of the seafloor and its inhabitants. This technique provides quantitative data on habitat complexity, organism size, and spatial distribution, which are essential for ecological assessments and long-term monitoring. Photogrammetry supports applications such as:

• Reconstructing detailed topographies of underwater landscapes

• Measuring growth and movement of benthic organisms

• Documenting archaeological and geological features in situ

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Altimeter and Automatic Altitude Hold

Precision navigation near the seafloor is essential to avoid damage and ensure data quality. The onboard altimeter constantly measures the vehicle’s height above the seabed, feeding data to the automatic altitude hold system. This feedback loop enables the vehicle to maintain a consistent distance from the bottom, even across rugged terrain, which preserves safety and consistency in data acquisition.

• Real-time altitude monitoring is displayed for operators

• Automated altitude adjustments based on terrain profile

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Electromagnetic Conductivity 

Electromagnetic conductivity (EC) technology is typically associated with terrestrial mineral prospecting; its adaptation for deep-sea research opens new avenues for identifying mineral resources and characterizing geologic substrates. By measuring the electrical properties of sediments and rocks, EC can distinguish between different types of materials, detect subsurface anomalies, and support resource evaluation.

• Assessment of mineral content in sediments

• Subsurface imaging for hydrothermal systems

• Detection of buried objects or structures

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Operational Workflow

Deploying the vehicle involves a well-coordinated choreography between vessel crew, technical operators, and scientific staff. The vehicle is launched from the stern of the research vessel, towed via reinforced cables rated for extreme tension and pressure. Data and imagery are transmitted to the surface in real time or stored onboard, depending on mission requirements and bandwidth availability.

• Pre-deployment calibration and system checks

• Controlled descent and towing operations

• Live monitoring of environmental and imaging data

• Post-recovery data processing and analysis

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Applications and Scientific Potential

The versatility of the research vehicle makes it an indispensable asset for a broad spectrum of scientific endeavors:

• Marine Ecology: In-depth exploration of benthic habitats, population surveys, species identification, and behavioral research.

• Geology and Mineralogy: Mapping of hydrothermal vents, manganese nodule fields, sediment composition, and mineral deposits.

• Climate Studies: Monitoring carbon sequestration in deep-sea sediments, assessing impacts of climate change on abyssal environments.

• Resource Assessment: Evaluation of seabed minerals, sub-bottom profiling for oil and gas exploration, and site suitability studies.  High-resolution 3D reconstructions for precise habitat mapping, volumetric assessments, and temporal change detection across complex seafloor terrains.

• Environmental Monitoring: Detection of pollution, environmental impact assessments, and disaster response (e.g., oil spills, submarine landslides).