Posted on 11/30/2012 9:57:48 PM PST by DogByte6RER
Homeland Security to deploy underwater drones that mimic tuna fish
With even gossip magazines being (falsely) accused of wanting to deploy aerial drones, it seems like the only place you might be able to escape robotic scrutiny would be somewhere far off at sea. Turns out: not true.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has funded a new underwater robot that can find you even in your underwater lair.
The BIOSwimmer was developed by Boston Engineering Corporation's Advanced Systems Group (ASG) as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) modeled after the shape and swimming mechanics of a tuna fish. According to the DHS, the tuna framework makes the drone perfect for inspecting hard to reach areas in submerged ships and harbors, as well as offering a natural looking design for covert security missions.
The drone can be controlled from a standard laptop computer and is equipped with a battery designed to allow it to remain in remote locations for long durations. ASG director Mike Rufo said, "[The BIOSwimmer] is designed to support a variety of tactical missions and with its interchangeable sensor payloads and reconfigurable Operator Controls, can be optimized on a per-mission basis."
(Excerpt) Read more at dvice.com ...
New addage ... You Can Tune a Drone, But You Can't Tuna Fish
Related YouTube video (for the drone, NOT REO Speedwagon songs) ...
Olin SCOPE Robotics clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDitxrXeYnA&feature=player_embedded
We had something like that back in the 1970’s called “Captor” where these drone torpedoes would lay at the bottom of the ocean. In wartime, they would be activated and they would use their computer programming of stored Soviet ships and subs sound signatures to track, pursue and sink them.
We had something similar too (upgraded?) on my ship in the 1980s ... ASROC
Note to self...keep turn down the music in my underwater lair.
Our cats want to know why we’re paying for fake tunas when there’s plenty of real ones we could buy them instead?
Secret Agent Maxwell Smart would be right at home in America’s DHS.
Yellow bellied robo-tuna. That’s the ticket.
Smart would quit in frustration.
How is it with mayo on wheat?
That’s interesting. I’m amazed that 70’s tech could have a low enough power drain to make these practical though. It’s easy now since we have low-power processors that can sleep most of the time.
I suppose they used very low frequency rf to get instruction from whoever controlled them?
Basically there are only a few communications methods for unattended devices in the water... sound, lf rf, discharge of electrical current across two electrodes mounted at a distance from each other and sending up a small device to the surface on a tether to communicate using satellites.
Sound has a low data rate but can be effective over considerable distances. Whales can communicate using sound at distances greater than a thousand miles...mimicking their sounds is a good cover. low freq rf has worldwide coverage, sat of course is worldwide.. current discharge is for networking with other nearby devices.
I could possibley see military application, but DHS? Are you kidding me?
Actually it makes perfect sense when you take into account Janet Napolitano's deep personal affection for tuna.
Looks like Homeland Security is setting itself up to become the World’s biggest terrorist organization.
Is it me, or is that a Happy Face on the tail of that thing?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
.jpg)
