Robotic wave glider completes record journey to Hawaii island
A robot has completed a record-breaking journey from San Francisco to Hawaii island.
The robot named Benjamin is a wave glider that survived a 26-foot waves and strong ocean currents to become the second vehicle of its kind to travel more than 3,200 nautical miles without human assistance.
Benjamin was among four wave gliders launched Nov. 17 in San Francisco Bay by Liquid Robotics Inc., a company that developed the surfboard-shaped robots propelled by waves.
West Hawaii Today reports Liquid Robotics recovered the robot about files miles offshore from its facility at Kawaihae Harbor on Thursday. Vice President of Marine Operations Keith Kreider says attached solar panels fuel its computers and sensors, which allow collection and transmission of real-time data to help scientists observe the ocean.