‘Dual robot’ drone simplifies underwater monitoring

The 'dual robot' drone, which has undergone tests at Empa and the aquatic research institute Eawag in Switzerland, has measured water in lakes for signs of microorganisms and algal blooms, and could in future be used to monitor climate clues like temperature changes in Arctic seas.

The researchers developed the drone to improve researchers’ ability to quickly deploy monitoring drones to aquatic environments. Dubbed MEDUSA (Multi-Environment Dual robot for Underwater Sample Acquisition) the drone could also help monitor and maintain offshore infrastructure like underwater energy pipelines and floating wind turbines.

In a statement, Professor Mirko Kovac, principal investigator on the project and director of the Aerial Robotics Lab at Imperial and head of the Robotics Centre at Empa, said: "MEDUSA is unique in its dual robot design, with a flight component that reaches difficult-to-access areas and a diving component that monitors water quality. Our drone considerably simplifies robotic underwater monitoring by performing challenging tasks which would otherwise require boats."