Using robots to study larvaceans
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) uses underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to study larvaceans, including their role in spreading microplastics into the food chain and in climate change. An on-going research goal is to follow individual organisms for multi-day periods and record their activities on video. MBARI's ROV uses stereo cameras to record organisms, which helps maintain a constant distance from the organisms and measure their size.
CVision AI developed a novel stereo tracking algorithm that uses object detection algorithms and non-linear tracking techniques to stay locked on individual organisms. The algorithm has been used to control the ROV thrusters, resulting in autonomous control for multiple hours on the same organism. This is the first step toward a fully autonomous capability. Read the paper to learn more.
