Deep-sea robot to broadcast images straight to internet

Light effects seen through fiber optic cables. The Deep Sea Crawler, can transmit measurements and video footage from depths of up to 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) below the sea to the Internet using a web camera connected to a fiber optic cable. PHOTO: AFP

The International University Bremen (IUB) in northern Germany presented a prototype Monday of the Deep Sea Crawler, which can transmit measurements and video footage from depths of up to 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) below the sea to the Internet using a web camera connected to a fiber optic cable.

Until now, such research devices required the costly presence of research ships.

The robot was developed for use with deep-sea observatories planned by the International Research Consortium on Continental Margins, grouping experts from around the world, said Laurenz Thomsen, a professor for marine studies at the IUB.

The consortium is working on a number of global projects such as an early warning system for earthquakes and tsunamis and hopes the robot will provide insight into ecological changes.

After a test phase beginning late in 2004, the robot, which cost 30,000 euros (36,670 dollars) to develop, will be placed near unmanned underwater stations along the northwest coast of the United States. A similar project on earthquake research is also planned for the eastern Mediterranean.

The images will be accessible on the website www.deepseacam.com.

Thomsen said the system, which was developed by US and Dutch researchers as well as German scientists, may also be used in offshore oil exploration.

Norwegian oil company Statoil provided the bulk of the funding for the project.