iRobot Corp.,leader in delivering robotic technology-based solutions, is introducing a newly configured Seaglider UUV. Seaglider can now be outfitted with a larger set of fairings that significantly increases the UUV’s volume and mass payload capabilities.

Payload mass is doubled over Seaglider’s original design to four kilograms and payload volume has expanded 650 percent to more than 21,000 cubic centimeters, resulting in the ability to integrate both larger sensors and a greater number of sensors with Seaglider.

“Seaglider has proven to be an extremely valuable tool for government agencies and the oceanographic community,” said David Heinz, vice president of Maritime Systems at iRobot. “Researchers have expressed a need for more sensing capabilities on Seaglider, so that it can be used in a wider range of missions. This new configuration has allowed new sensors to be integrated with Seaglider, opening the door to future development efforts and potential new markets.”

Seaglider has five sensor payload ports that facilitate a range of capabilities. Recent development efforts have resulted in new sensor offerings for Seaglider, including a pumped sensor that measures conductivity, temperature and pressure with an optional pumped dissolved oxygen sensor. The integration of a radiation sensor, an echo sounder and a current profiler with Seaglider are also in development.

A long-range, high endurance UUV, Seaglider operates at water depths between 20 meters (approximately 65 feet) and 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). Seaglider is the first UUV to complete a mission lasting longer than nine months without needing to replace its battery and the first to complete a mission of more than 3,800 kilometers (approximately 2,360 miles).

Seaglider will be on display at the OCEANS ’11 conference from September 19-21 in Kona, Hawaii. Visit iRobot at booth #60-61. OCEANS is a major international forum for scientists, engineers and responsible ocean users to present the latest research results, ideas, developments and applications in Oceanic Engineering and Marine Technology. Representatives from iRobot will also be presenting three research papers at the conference.

About iRobot Corp.

iRobot designs and builds robots that make a difference. The company’s home robots help people find smarter ways to clean, and its government and industrial robots protect those in harm’s way. iRobot’s consumer and military robots feature iRobot Aware(R) robot intelligence systems, proprietary technology incorporating advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence.

Source: iRobot , September 21, 2011;