Initial customer deliveries of the Wave Glider unmanned maritime
vehicle (UMV) took place in 2008. To date, Wave Gliders have logged
well over 100,000 miles of operations.
By continuously harvesting
energy from the environment, Wave Gliders are able to travel long
distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas without ever needing
to refuel. A unique two-part architecture and wing system directly
converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide
electricity for sensor payloads. This means that Wave Gliders can
travel to a distant area, collect data, and return for maintenance
without ever requiring a ship to leave port.
The Wave Glider is a configurable platform designed to support a
wide variety of sensor payloads. It can keep station or travel from
point to point. Data is transmitted to shore via satellite, and the
continuous surface presence means that data can be delivered as it
is collected. Payloads can be installed by customers or integrated
by Liquid Robotics.