Liquid Robotics, NOAA Sign Research Agreement for Atmospheric and Environmental Monitoring



By Priya Potapragada



Liquid Robotics and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced last week that they have signed a cooperative research and development agreement meant to improve ocean observations, U.S. weather forecasting, fisheries management and environmental monitoring using Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider.



“We are excited to be working closely together with NOAA to advance ocean observations with long-duration autonomous systems,” said Bill Vass, CEO of Liquid Robotics. “We believe our Wave Glider technology provides a cost-efficient way to gather scientific and environmental data to address the many challenges ahead.”



The Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider, an unmanned surface vehicle, will combine with NOAA’s engineering to allow for enhanced integrated sensor capabilities that will supplement information needs, fill data gaps and lower data acquisition costs, according to a Liquid Robotics press release.



"Over several years, we’ve worked closely with Liquid Robotics on multiple applications with their innovative technology, the Wave Glider. We've used the Wave Glider to demonstrate advances in hurricane forecasting, measure CO2 levels, monitor the Arctic marine environment, detect tsunamis and collect fisheries data,” says Craig McLean, NOAA’s deputy assistant administrator of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. “I am pleased to establish this agreement to strengthen our important partnership and to improve environmental observations.”