Oct 20, 2022
In this 13-minute episode of the Voices from DARPA podcast series, we discuss DARPA’s Manta Ray program which seeks to demonstrate innovative technologies allowing payload-capable autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to operate on long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments without the need for on-site human logistics support or maintenance. Such UUVs would offer the potential for persistent operations in forward environments, allowing host vessels increased freedom of operational flexibility while providing traditional servicing ports with relief of workload. They could also enhance our understanding of the oceans.
We talk with Manta Ray Program Manager Kyle Woerner and Sandia National Laboratory Kelley Ruehl who is advising on energy harvesting aspects of the program. “Manta Ray Project really came out of the need for understanding more about the ocean environment and being able to have underwater vehicles that last longer than the order of a couple of hours or a couple of days,” said Woerner about his goal of “an autonomous underwater vehicle that’s out operating on its own, harvesting energy and completing whatever mission it's been given.”
- Blubrry (podcast host): https://blubrry.com/voices_from_darpa/90589493
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyhBEQpqq8I
- iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-from-darpa/id1163190520