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Our group specializes in sensor integration and autonomy algorithms for autonomous marine systems.
We integrate novel sensors and autonomy software onto robotic platforms and develop low-cost, persistent oceanographic instruments for distributed, real-time monitoring across coastal and open-ocean environments. Our work spans hardware, software, and field engineering.
AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLES
Our group operates a range of underwater vehicles focused on upper ocean physical oceanography and seafloor characterization. We specialize in integrating acoustic and optical imaging payloads for wide-area surveys in challenging and infrastructure-limited environments. Our team has extensive experience conducting successful wreck searches and forensic seafloor investigations, leveraging autonomous platforms to locate and document targets of interest across large spatial domains.
REMUS600
REMUS100
Slocum Glider
AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VEHICLES
Our group operates a fleet of surface vehicles equipped with backseat computing systems that enable rapid sensor integration and onboard autonomy. We’ve also integrated acoustic communication payloads to facilitate real-time coordination between surface and underwater platforms.
Wave Glider
Wave Adaptive Modular Vehicle (WAM-V)
REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLES
Our ROV fleet spans from compact inspection-class systems to work-class vehicles capable of operating at depths up to 2,000 meters. ROVs are deployed alongside AUVs and divers to support a layered survey approach — providing extended bottom time, high-power payload operations, and the ability to reacquire and investigate targets of interest identified during autonomous surveys. Work-class vehicles are equipped with hydraulic manipulators that enable equipment recovery and physical sampling in demanding deep-water environments.
Hydrus
Cougar
SRS Fusion
Barracuda
WAVE BUOYS
Since 2007, we have built and deployed over 700 GPS wave buoys. Designed for low-cost, high-volume use, these systems have been adapted for diverse environments, including air-deployable A-size sonobuoy formats and ice-hardened variants for polar operations. The core hardware has also been integrated into autonomous platforms like the Wave Glider, extending its sensing capabilities across long-duration missions.
Global Wave Buoy Program
Drifting Miniature Wave Buoy
Moored Miniature Wave Buoy
XMET
Originally developed during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the eXpeditionary METeorological (XMET) system was created in response to a capability gap identified by the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which lacked reliable environmental data in regions with rapidly changing dust storm conditions. Designed as a portable, expendable, and ruggedized weather station, XMET is a self-contained, bi-directional system capable of autonomous deployment in remote and infrastructure-limited environments. It has since been deployed in extreme tropical, polar, maritime, and desert settings, providing near-continuous aviation weather observations under operational conditions.
XMET testing at Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR)
Palau XMET
XMET deployed at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq
REMOTE SENSING
We played a foundational role in building the U.S. HF radar network, which transitioned to NOAA operations in 2025. We continue to use HF and X-band radar for remote sensing of surface currents, waves, and vessel activity. Our team has deployed these systems in austere, off-grid environments, including the development of the Coastal Surveillance System for Palau to support regional monitoring and maritime security.
HF Radar Map, Palau
X-Band Radar, California
Coastal Surveillance System, Palau
X-Band Radar and SAR, California
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
BLURB ABOUT OUR AUV FLEET
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