Hawaii Deep Sea Coral Reef Field Study

Participated in a week-long field study mission off the coast of Oahu to collect images of deep sea coral reefs using ROVs. Served as an assistant in a four-student team, performing extensive repairs and maintenance on underwater robotics systems during the field study, including work with LSU-developed ROVs Bruce and DORIS.

ROV Systems BlueOS Field Research LSU Robotics Underwater Maintenance FLIR Cameras

Field Study Completed

Project Overview

The Hawaii field study trip was a week-long mission to collect images of the deep sea coral reef off the coast of Oahu using ROVs. This LSU research project involved a four-student team working together to conduct underwater research and documentation of coral reef ecosystems.

The field study included three days of operations on a boat at sea, where the team worked with two LSU-developed ROVs: Bruce, a multipurpose ROV utilizing BlueOS, and DORIS, a more experimental ROV/AUV that was in active development and being tested during the study.

Technical Implementation

ROV Systems

Bruce ROV: Multipurpose ROV utilizing BlueOS operating system
DORIS ROV/AUV: Experimental system in active development
LSU Development: Both systems developed in the LSU robotics lab

Imaging Equipment

Standard USB Webcams: Basic imaging for general documentation
FLIR BlackflyS Cameras: High-quality imaging for detailed coral reef analysis
Underwater Housings: Protection for cameras in marine environments

Field Operations

Duration: One-week field study with three days at sea
Location: Off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii
Team Structure: Four-student team with assistant role

Maintenance & Repairs

Field Maintenance: Extensive repairs and maintenance during field study
System Troubleshooting: Real-time problem solving in marine environment
Equipment Reliability: Ensuring ROV systems function in challenging conditions

Field Experience

This field study provided valuable hands-on experience in marine robotics operations, particularly in the areas of field maintenance, troubleshooting, and working with experimental systems in real-world conditions. The project offered exposure to both established ROV technology (Bruce) and cutting-edge development work (DORIS).

Working as an assistant in the four-student team provided experience in collaborative field operations, equipment maintenance, and adapting to the challenges of marine research environments. The three days at sea offered intensive experience with underwater robotics systems and marine research methodologies.