For the next three years, researchers at the University of New Orleans will be working to develop an eel-like device that can slither through shallow water, gathering information where humans might be at risk of being spotted.
The work at the Office of Naval Research is being underwritten by a $937,000 grant from the Navy.
The robotic device will be designed to collect data and conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions without being detected. In their work, scientists will try to confirm a swimming theory of low drag and high efficiency that was developed by William Vorus, professor emeritus of UNO’s School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
[mappress] Source: nola, August 9, 2011;