Our group specializes in sensor integration and autonomy algorithms for autonomous marine systems. We develop robotic systems with onboard autonomy to enable adaptive, real-time environmental data collection. We also design and deploy low-cost, standalone oceanographic systems such as wave buoys and XMETs for distributed monitoring in dynamic coastal and open-ocean environments. Our work combines hardware, software, and field engineering.

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.

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.

• Rogowski, P., Otero, M., Hazard, J., Muschamp, T., Katz, S., Terrill, E. (2020). XMET – An Unattended Meteorological Sensing System for Austere Environments. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 38(1), 17-30. DOI

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.

• Amador, A., Merrifield, S. T., Terrill, E. J. (2023). Assessment of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Measurements from an Autonomous Surface Vehicle. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 40(3), 305-326. DOI

• Springman, J., Anderson, M., Ung, D., Nager, A., Taylor, G., Terrill, E. J., Merrifield, S. T. (2025). Predictive Power Modeling for WAM-V Operations in Dynamic Ocean Environments. OCEANS 2025-MTS/IEEE Brest.

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.

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.

https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/aided-scripps-oceanography-pacific-island-country-launches-plan-protect-marine-life