Hello there!
We are a group working on a developing Buoyant Observational Aquatic Technologies, or, in short, a B.O.A.T!
Jokes aside, we hope that our project could enable marine enthusiasts and researchers alike a more convenient and effective way to observe and get in touch with aquatic life, without the hassle of going to the outdoors or getting oneself immersed in water.
Currently, there has already been several attempts to outsource and offload the observational stage of marine wildlife research to other sources, such as a seal! (the banner, taken from <source>, showcases a camera and other observational tools strapped onto an incredibly cute seal). Our project is conducted in the same vein, and designed to achieve similar objectives – but with more control and less risk of endangering living animals.
Incidentally, the global COVID-19 pandemic also brings into light the need to have such an autonomous aquatic observational device for marine specialists, as many researchers are unable to leave their homes, and set sail due to COVID regulations. As such, they have been looking to the fields of robotics and engineering to conduct their research during this period of high uncertainty.
Our Team
We are a 4 person group, consisting of (from left to right):
Lee Jing Rui, School of Biological Science
Yip Wan Ting, School of Biological Science
Our Mentor, Friend and Savior Tony, from the M&T Lab
Anita Ong, School of Biological Science
Ng Zheng Xun, School of Computer Science
Nice to meet you!
Acknowledgments
This project would not have been possible without the invaluable help of the following professors, mentors and friends. Special mention goes to:
Dr Ho Shen Yong
Gan Eng Swee, Tony
Justin, Qi Jie and Limzy from MnT Lab
C N Yang Scholar’s Programme Office
Dr John Heng