Imagine a future where seals gracefully traverse the ocean, adorned with sophisticated electronic tags that relay real-time data streams to scientists stationed in remote laboratories. Envision archaeologists receiving instantaneous notifications the moment a diver encroaches upon a precious shipwreck site. These visions are not merely fantasies but tangible possibilities unfolding before us, thanks to the latest breakthroughs in underwater connected technologies. Not only do these innovations illuminate the mysteries of the sea, but they also serve as guardians of its invaluable treasures.
Vladimir Djapic, an innovation associate at the EU-funded TEUTA project, underscores the vast potential of underwater exploration: "We have oceans around us that we have not explored." Despite oceans covering approximately 70% of the Earth's surface, more than four-fifths of these underwater realms remain uncharted and unseen by human eyes.
Enter the realm of the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT), a cutting-edge network comprising smart, interconnected sensors, and devices specifically engineered to thrive in underwater environments. Unlike its terrestrial counterpart, the Internet of Things (IoT), IoUT represents a new frontier in underwater communication and data acquisition.
TEUTA, which operated from October 2020 to March 2022, played a pivotal role in advancing underwater exploration. By supporting Croatian company H20 Robotics, TEUTA facilitated the development of lightweight, cost-effective acoustic devices and robotic platforms tailored for underwater wireless networks. This technological leap extends exploration capabilities beyond the confines of coastal areas, opening new avenues for oceanic discovery.
At the heart of TEUTA's innovation lies acoustic technology, inspired by the sophisticated communication methods employed by marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. Unlike traditional radio or optical communication, acoustic waves possess the unique ability to traverse vast distances underwater, unaffected by adverse visibility conditions. This enables seamless remote data collection from underwater sensors and devices, enhancing communication between divers and their counterparts on land.
TEUTA's impact reverberates across diverse sectors, ranging from marine biology and environmental monitoring to construction and archaeology. Notably, initiatives like TECTONIC benefit from TEUTA's advancements, focusing on the preservation of underwater cultural heritage sites globally.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the EU-funded NAUTILOS project is spearheading a revolution in ocean-data collection through the integration of state-of-the-art sensors and samplers. Led by Gabriele Pieri, NAUTILOS aims to bridge critical gaps in ocean observation by harnessing cutting-edge marine technologies. These advanced sensors are capable of measuring vital parameters such as chlorophyll-A levels, dissolved oxygen concentrations, and microplastic pollution, providing invaluable insights into the health of marine ecosystems.
NAUTILOS also embraces citizen science, collaborating with volunteers and marine conservation groups to expand its reach and impact. By leveraging innovative technologies and community engagement, NAUTILOS endeavors to deepen our understanding and stewardship of the oceans—the largest yet least explored habitats on our planet.
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