Design of swarms of long-term oceanographic landers

Abstract

Extending the measuring periods and covered areas of deep-sea exploration can be achieved utilizing high numbers of durable releaser-free landers. These simple structures offer a cost-effective solution for deploying swarms of observation spots across vast areas of the ocean floor, addressing the limitations of traditional exploration methods such as ROVs, AUVs, and releaser-based landers. The key design objectives focus on optimizing deployment and recovery operations, enhancing robustness and durability, and ensuring economic viability. By incorporating cost-effective meshes instead of releaser technologies and utilizing Remote Operated Towed Vehicles to assist guided deployment and recovery (the LanderPick), these landers can be accurately placed in great numbers from oceanographic vessels. This contribution discusses challenges and solutions found in the quest to design swarms of long-term Oceanographic Landers.