2024 Dual DriX Project: Investigation of Tandem Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Operations for Seafloor Mapping Missions
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions and responses related to the 2024 Dual DriX Project being conducted by partners in the Gulf of Maine. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Q:
What is DriX?
A:
The DriX is an uncrewed surface vehicle that can be equipped with different scientific sensors to gather data from the ocean. NOAA owns two DriX platforms (named DriX12 and DriX23) that will be used in the 2024 Dual DriX Project. Check out these links to the DriX and its recent mission to learn more.
Q:
How do the DriX operate?
A:
The DriX operates with ‘supervised autonomy’ meaning it follows instructions set by a person and has constant remote supervision by a trained operator, but it is otherwise capable of piloting itself and course correcting when needed. Before deployment, the DriX is provided information on where it should gather data and how it should gather that data. For example, it can be told to not go over a certain speed or to gather data at a certain accuracy. As it is surveying, the DriX may adjust its efforts based on the data it is gathering. It may also adjust its survey to avoid other objects in the water. The DriX communicates these adjustments with trained operators monitoring its actions at all times. The DriX can stay at sea for upwards of 48 hours before needing a service check and refueling.
Q:
What is the goal of this project?
A:
This project will be the first of its kind mission for NOAA in which the project team will test the feasibility and efficiency of remote operations of multiple uncrewed vehicles from a shorebased operations center. The project aims to: 1) test the concept of operations and effectiveness of dual uncrewed surface vehicle operations in gathering critical ocean data from a shorebased operations center and 2) provide mapping data in a critical region of interest in the Gulf of Maine.
Q:
What data are the DriX gathering?
A:
The DriX platforms are equipped with multibeam sonars, used to map the seafloor and detect objects in the water column or along the seafloor. This data can be used to update nautical charts, understand seafloor habitat, and more.
Q:
Why are you using two DriX platforms?
A:
NOAA previously operationalized the use of a single DriX platform for hydrographic surveys, or gathering data about the water column and seafloor using sonars. In April and May 2024, NOAA operated the DriX in tandem with NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson to support its hydrographic surveys of the approaches to Savannah, Georgia . On this project, a single DriX was able to survey over 2,300 miles (that’s nearly the distance between California and Hawaii) and increase the ship’s productivity by around 20%. The project team is interested in exploring the efficiency of using two DriX platforms to enable 24/7 operations throughout the entire mission.
Q:
Is the DriX safe to operate?
A:
Like a ship, the DriX follows international rules of navigation at sea. However, unlike a crewed ship, the DriX is programmed to automatically do so and course correct as needed without a person intervening.The trained operators that are remotely on watch at all times always have the option of overriding the DriX’s programming to continue on course. The Drix is equipped with multiple detection sensors to inform its decision making and that of its trained operators including: LiDAR, marine radar, eight cameras, and automatic identification system (AIS). With these sensors, a DriX can detect and avoid an object as small as a buoy (approximately 10 inches long). These sensors are equipped to detect objects in diverse ocean conditions including darkness, rain, fog, and rough sea states. The sonar equipment onboard the DriX are the same sonars used by NOAA’s hydrographic survey vessels to gather data and are comparable to the seafloor detecting systems on most ships. To sum it up, the DriX has advanced capabilities to safely operate in a multi-use marine environment and always has the supervision of a trainer operator.
Find the Local Notice to Mariners put out by the U.S. Coast Guard on this mission here.
Q:
Why are you doing this project in the Gulf of Maine?
A:
The Gulf of Maine is a socially and environmentally important region. It is home to numerous commercially valuable fisheries and diverse habitats. Portions of the Gulf of Maine are also being considered for offshore wind energy development. Like much of the U.S Exclusive Economic Zone, portions of the Gulf of Maine are unmapped and uncharacterized. By conducting this project in this region, the data gathered can contribute to an improved understanding of the region with applications across topics.
Q:
What should I do if I see a DriX vehicle in the water?
A:
If you see a DriX vehicle in the water, you don’t need to do anything. The DriX vehicles are programmed to follow a specific course, but their progress is being continuously monitored by a remote operator and they are also able to course correct to avoid other objects in the water. If you are in the path of the DriX, it should be diverted to avoid you while remaining on the water surface, meaning you will be able to see where the vehicle goes (while these bright red vehicles may look like submarines, they do not dive or submerge). Please do not intentionally approach or attempt to touch the vehicle, as it is conducting scientific operations. Do interact with it as you would another crewed vessel on the water.