Smart Sailing Robot for Oceanographic Research

Over the past decade there has been intense scientific work on autonomous sailing robots. As hardware gets smaller, cheaper and also better performing the possibilities increase for autonomous vessels. Recently there is a lot of research going on with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions. Smart sailing robot fit perfectly into these ambitions. A robotic sailboat is able to autonomously navigate towards any given target without human control or intervention. The optimal route is calculated dependent on strategic goals and weather parameters. Rudder and sails are autonomously controlled in order to keep course and to execute maneuvers like tack and jibe. As sailboats operate in a highly dynamic, environment an autonomous sailboat has to respond quickly to everchanging environmental conditions. Incoming data from sensors (GPS, compass, etc.) have to be analyzed permanently by intelligent control mechanisms. The best routing decision, perfect handling of ever changing wind conditions and perfect timing during tack and jibe are some of the skills an autonomous sailing vessel has to master.