Underwater Communication

Studying communication and data transfer between underwater drones

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Impact
  • This field allows underwater drones to communicate, operate remotely, and relay information
  • Map the deep ocean
  • Monitor marine life
  • Detect mines and submarines
  • Real-time monitoring of underwater structures
  • Enables continuous monitoring of the ocean conditions to track changes in water quality
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Designing and testing underwater communication devices
  • Developing software for acoustic signal processing
  • Conducting field tests with underwater vehicles and sensors
  • Collaborating with marine scientists and engineering
  • Writing reports and presenting research findings
  • Troubleshooting signal interference and improving transmission reliability
SKILLS DEVELOPED
  • Signal processing
  • Underwater acoustics
  • Sonar technology
  • Wireless network protocols
  • Programming 
  • Data analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
Work Environment
  • Fast-paced tech companies
  • Teamwork focused 
  • Interacting  with people from different fields
  • Supporting programmers
  • Providing feedback
  • Providing subject matter expertise
Potential Employers
  • Navy research laboratories
  • Oceanographic research institutions
  • Companies that design underwater robotic systems and marine technology
  • Energy and telecommunication companies
College PATHWAYS
  • Select a major in electrical, mechanical or marine engineering, computer science, physics, or applied math
  • Take courses in acoustics, programming, and signal processing
  • Apply for internships at navy labs, oceanographic centers, NOAA, and the marine industry
  • Work in university labs focused on underwater acoustics
  • Participate in projects using underwater communication systems
EXPLORE
  • Focus on key subjects: physics, computer science, math, and statistics
  • Seek opportunities for hands-on experience with technology
  • Start learning programming
  • Explore online resources to learn about sonar operation, robotics, and wireless communication
  • Try out summer camps and internships on robotics, programming, and acoustics

Learn more

See also:

Acoustical Oceanography, Animal Bioacoustics

Professional societies:

Check out the ASA Underwater Acoustics Technical Committee
The Technical Committee on Underwater Acoustics is concerned with both natural and anthropogenic sound and its generation underwater; and the propagation, reflection and scattering of sound in the underwater environment including the seabed and the sea surface.

Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS)

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