In the heart of Monterey Bay, California, a pioneering project is unfolding that could redefine maritime research and communication. Five miles north of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) campus, a self-powered ocean buoy is making waves with its unique blend of oceanographic and meteorological sensors, all powered by solar and wind, and connected via 5G technology. This isn’t just another buoy; it’s a floating hub of innovation, developed in collaboration with Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and AT&T, promising to bring real-time, 24/7 scientific and maritime observations to the forefront.
The NPS buoy research project is a testament to the power of collaboration and technological advancement. It’s not just about collecting data; it’s about extending 5G connectivity beyond the reach of traditional coastal networks, bringing high-speed data to mariners who are often limited by cellular, VHF radio, and more expensive satellite communication. This project is a game-changer, offering a persistent capability for real-time sensing and networking with the shore and with autonomous systems above, on, and below the water’s surface.
Kevin Smith, the principal investigator and an acoustics researcher at NPS, highlights the project’s significance. “This ocean buoy project is part of an overall effort to increase our maritime sensing and experimentation capabilities right here in Monterey,” he says. “And it provides an opportunity for collaborative ocean research throughout the Monterey Bay community.” This sentiment is echoed by the project’s partners, including the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, the U.S. Naval Research Lab, and several academic institutions.
The buoy is equipped with a host of sensors, including a passive acoustic receiver installed by Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station for detecting great white sharks and other species. Oceanographic and meteorological data collected by the NPS sensors will be available for use by other researchers and academic institutions in the area, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared knowledge.
OPT’s CEO Philipp Stratmann emphasizes the buoy’s multi-domain flexibility. “Our PowerBuoy allows true multi-domain flexibility from seabed to space,” he says. “We have deployed PowerBuoys around the globe, and this one will be leased to NPS. PowerBuoys give the ability to deploy sensors, collect data, and do things in the ocean that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”
The buoy’s power generation is optimized for Monterey Bay’s location, with solar panels and wind turbines charging high-capacity, safe marine batteries. This self-sufficiency is a significant step forward, enabling persistent and resident data collection that meets maritime security and protection needs.
The integration of 5G technology is perhaps the most exciting aspect of this project. AT&T program manager and NPS alumnus Robby Schimelpfening highlights the importance of 5G in maritime environments. “5G is especially important in maritime environments where more and more ships and unmanned vehicles are working together,” he says. “We think that 5G technology certainly has a place to play in the command-and-control structure that the industry and Navy is looking to deploy in the future.”
However, the journey towards 5G at sea is not without its challenges. Signal propagation, harsh environmental conditions, and the need for robust and reliable infrastructure in the littorals are all hurdles that need to be overcome. But with the NPS and AT&T’s Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for 5G at sea research, the future looks promising.
This project is more than just a buoy; it’s a beacon of innovation, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a step forward in maritime research and communication. It’s a project that could shape the future of the maritime industry, bringing us one step closer to a future where high-speed data and real-time observations are the norm, not the exception. As the buoy floats in Monterey Bay, it’s not just collecting data; it’s sparking a revolution in maritime research and communication.