JAPANESE MARINE ROBOTIC ADVANCES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CANADA

Abstract

Underwater robots are receiving increased scientific and engineering attention as well as public coverage and acceptance. Recent uses include the disccovery and exploration of the TITANIC, the salvage of Challenger shuttle components, and the recovery of Air India flight recorders. Most applications, however, are not disaster- related and involve robotic performance of dangerous undersea work normally performed by divers in support of offshore oil exploration. Japan has invested heavily in R & D in the field of marine robotics, with considerable success. The author examines Japan's methods and progress in some detail and considers their implications for Canadian efforts in marine robotics--efforts whose undertaking he strongly recommends.