Autonomous Water Surface Vehicle for Advanced Water Quality and Bathymetric Monitoring

The Autonomous Water Surface Vehicle developed by the AIST Research Center is a versatile, modular platform purpose built for advanced water quality monitoring and bathymetric surveying in support of seawater desalination. Designed for flexibility and performance, the vehicle integrates a comprehensive sensing suite capable of accommodating up to 12 sensors, including temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and ORP, alongside onboard data logging and GSM communication for real time data transmission. Its hybrid renewable power system, featuring solar panels for sensing and communication and a wind driven propulsion unit, ensures sustainable, long duration operation. Equipped with 360° electric propulsion reaching speeds of up to 8 km/h, GPS based positioning, and intelligent navigation with path planning and path recall, the vehicle can operate autonomously, return to its launch point, and maintain position through electronic anchoring. Advanced imaging capabilities, including sonar for bathymetric mapping and a down facing camera, complement a separate remotely operated water sampling device capable of collecting samples at varying depths, as well as a sediment extraction device designed to collect seabed material. Supporting manual, remote, and fully autonomous modes, and currently validated at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8, this innovative platform offers a robust, field proven solution for modern aquatic data collection and environmental monitoring.

Jellyfish Monitoring and Detection System for Desalination Plant Intake Protection

The Jellyfish Monitoring and Detection System developed by the AIST Research Center is an intelligent solution designed to safeguard desalination plant operations by enabling early detection and informed response to jellyfish presence at intake zones. Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, the system comprises two integrated components: a dry testbed environment for training and validating AI models, and a field deployed unit strategically positioned near the intake head. The hardware platform combines still and video cameras, sonar imaging devices, and environmental sensors measuring salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, providing comprehensive situational awareness. At its core, advanced machine vision algorithms leveraging convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks enable accurate detection and tracking of jellyfish in real time. These outputs are processed by an expert system equipped with an inference engine, knowledge base, and explanation facility, which translates observations into actionable insights and operational recommendations. The system classifies plant conditions into states such as Normal, Alert, Emergency, Extremis, and Restorative, supporting timely and effective decision making. By integrating sensing, artificial intelligence, and domain expertise, this solution enhances operational resilience, minimizes intake disruptions, and contributes to the sustainable performance of desalination facilities.

Flexible Pneumatic Robot for Biofouling Removal and Disposal in Desalination Plants

The Intake Biofouling Removal and Disposal Robot developed by the AIST Research Center is an innovative, flexible pneumatic system designed to restore and maintain the efficiency of desalination plant intake pipelines. Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, this solution can operate as a standalone unit or be deployed via AIST’s Autonomous Water Surface Vehicle for targeted intervention. The system begins with pipeline inspection using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with cameras and sensors to assess internal conditions. A specialized electro-pneumatic loading tray with adjustable diameter then facilitates precise insertion and positioning of the robot within the pipe. Once deployed, the robot utilizes rings of diagonally oriented scrapers and brushes mounted on a central axle, rotating in both directions to effectively remove biofouling while advancing through the pipeline. Propelled by elastic members driven by combined air and fluid flow, the robot ensures thorough coverage, while a telescopic debris evacuation system collects and seals removed material in disposable capsules for environmentally responsible disposal without disturbing surrounding ecosystems. A safety retrieval cable is also integrated to ensure reliable operation in the event of blockage. This forward-looking solution addresses a critical challenge in desalination infrastructure by enhancing flow efficiency, reducing maintenance downtime, and promoting sustainable operations.

Swarm-Enabled UAV Seed Dispenser for Climate-Adaptive Aerial Reforestation

The UAV-Based Seed Dispenser System developed by the AIST Research Center is an advanced aerial solution designed to enhance agricultural efficiency and large-scale reforestation through precise, rapid, and scalable seeding operations. Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, the system integrates a smart seed dispensing unit with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), enabling accurate seed placement that accounts for UAV motion, spatial planting requirements, and real-time atmospheric conditions such as wind, which directly inform and adjust dispensing behavior to improve accuracy and dispersal consistency. The UAV platform is equipped with a flight controller, gimbal, battery pack, camera, and environmental sensors, while the integrated seed dispenser incorporates dedicated sensors, actuators, and a controlled storage bin for regulated release. Designed for swarm-based operation, multiple UAVs can collaborate to achieve uniform, high-volume coverage over large and often inaccessible areas. In addition to seeding, the system supports habitat mapping and the generation of detailed 2D and 3D terrain models to guide planning and monitoring. This approach significantly reduces labor demands, eliminates the need for sapling transport and nursery dependency, and enables efficient access to remote environments, all supported by refilling and battery charging infrastructure for sustained deployment.

Water Sample Extraction Device for Deep Ocean Monitoring and Desalination Support

The Water Sample Extraction Device developed by the AIST Research Center is a compact and adaptable solution designed to collect and store water samples from multiple ocean depths to support seawater desalination research. Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, the device can operate either as a standalone unit or as a payload integrated with AIST’s Autonomous Water Surface Vehicle, enabling precise deployment at targeted sampling locations. Its robust design includes a dedicated structural frame, a command and control unit, a water collection bay with storage containers, a submersible pump, and integrated sensors and actuators. In its current configuration, the device enables remote-controlled extraction of water samples from varying depths and their secure storage in designated containers. The device is designed to accommodate fully autonomous, preprogrammed operation, including timed and location-based sampling, system flushing between collections, seabed sediment acquisition, synchronized operation with the carrier vehicle, and integration of a compact weather station. Beyond desalination applications, the device can be mounted on stationary buoys for continuous environmental monitoring or adapted for aquaculture use, providing valuable data on water quality parameters critical to fish health and ecosystem management.

Seabed Sediment Extraction Device for Environmental Impact and Desalination Support

The device is a compact, pneumatically powered subsea corer designed for efficient and reliable collection of seabed sediment samples to support environmental impact assessments and desalination-related studies. It combines a motor-driven rotating coring bit, pneumatic vibration, and a four-piston anchoring frame to achieve stable, low-disturbance sediment extraction in harsh marine environments. The modular architecture enables remote operation from a surface platform, making it suitable for extended underwater deployment with minimal maintenance. Validated at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3.