Create articles from any YouTube video or use our API to get YouTube transcriptions
Start for freeThe Ocean Unveiled Through Robotics
In the realm of scientific exploration, the ocean remains one of the last frontiers, largely unexplored and mysterious. Emery Nalasko, a dedicated underwater robotics engineer, is at the forefront of changing this narrative by leveraging advanced robotics to enhance our understanding of the deep sea. With a rich background spanning from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to her current role at Aqua Satellite, Nalasko's journey is a testament to the power of innovation in uncovering the ocean's secrets.
The Journey of a Robotics Engineer
Emery Nalasko's career trajectory is fascinating, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for both engineering and environmental conservation. Graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, Nalasko's expertise evolved through her work on military drones, ocean sonars, and as a manufacturing engineer in the medical device industry. Her role at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) as an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) operations engineer marked a significant phase, where she contributed to the deployment of autonomous underwater robots for ocean exploration.
The Significance of Ocean Robotics
Nalasko underscores the vital role of ocean robotics in advancing our scientific understanding. These robots, capable of traversing depths unreachable by humans, are equipped with sensors and instruments that collect critical data. This data aids in making informed decisions on sustainable practices and understanding complex oceanic phenomena like the great ocean conveyor belt, which impacts climate and weather patterns globally.
Types of Ocean Robots
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Operated by joysticks, these provide live feeds for exploration and data collection.
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Capable of independent operation, collecting data, and making navigational decisions.
Nalasko highlights several innovative projects, including surface water vehicles like Saildrone and Liquid Robotics, deep-sea vehicles like MBARI's Tethys, and unique hybrids like the MISO Bot which combines ROV and AUV functionalities.
Challenges and Solutions in Ocean Exploration
Despite the advancements, exploring the ocean comes with its set of challenges, from technical difficulties like dealing with water pressure and ensuring the waterproofing of electronics to logistical issues such as deployment and recovery of the vehicles. Nalasko's experience at MBARI provided insights into overcoming these challenges through innovation and resilience, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach involving engineers, scientists, and even volunteers.
The Future of Ocean Robotics
Looking ahead, Nalasko is optimistic about the future of ocean exploration. Her work with Aqua Satellite aims to develop a fleet of energy-efficient, long-duration AUVs that could revolutionize how we explore and monitor the ocean. The goal is to make ocean science more accessible and sustainable, potentially unlocking new resources and insights that could benefit humanity and the planet.
Conclusion
Emery Nalasko's work in ocean robotics represents a bridge between technology and nature, aiming to unveil the mysteries of the deep sea. As we stand on the brink of new discoveries, the role of robotics in ocean exploration is more crucial than ever, promising a future where we understand our oceans as well as we seek to understand space.
