While much oceanographic research is still conducted by scientists going to sea in ships, in recent years, new technologies have allowed oceanographers to explore the ocean by using underwater robots.

University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography researcher Catherine Edwards will present an Evening @ Skidaway program to describe her work with robots on Tuesday, June 12, in the McGowan Library on the University of Georgia Skidaway Marine Science Campus (10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411). The event will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Catherine Edwards works on the tail assembly of one of UGA Skidaway Institute’s gliders.

The robots, also called autonomous underwater vehicles or gliders, can be packed with sensors to monitor a wide range of oceanographic conditions. They cruise the depths for weeks at a time, periodically surfacing to use a satellite phone to transmit their information back to their home laboratory and receive new instructions. The robots can record ocean conditions when traditional ship-based research is not practical, like during a tropical storm, and frequently at a small fraction of what a ship would cost.

The program is open to the public, and admission is free. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, please call (912) 598-2325 or email mike.sullivan@skio.uga.edu.