Swedish Agency Develops Underwater Wireless Technology

October 9, 2007 by Mary Anne Simpson

The Swedish Defense Research Agency, FOI has developed an underwater wireless technology that has been tested for accurately predicting weather conditions, sea pollution and earthquakes. The new technology is a vast improvement over traditional echo sound technology.

The Swedish Defense Research Agency, FOI employs 800 full time research scientists to develop innovations in technology and research. Its endeavors also include defense and security. The newly developed under water wireless technology was initially developed for military purposes. The technology has been on a trial run sponsored by the European Union to detect environmental changes in the sea.

The project manager at FOI states, the utility of the wireless technology is to accurately predict earthquakes, and follow underwater weather patterns. In particular, the technology using sensors at the sea bed will be useful in oil and gas industry exploration.

The current echo communications used have limitations. These limitations include a limited data rate in underwater transmissions. The researchers at FOI have discovered a method to reduce the effects of echoes.

According to Tommy Oberg, Director of Research at FOI, the improved technology may be used to monitor sea pollution and climate changes. Unmanned underwater vehicles could monitor larger areas of the sea on a 24/7 basis. The new technology is faster in transmitting information and the cost for large scale projects can drastically reduce costs. The new technology is capable of transmitting images, movies and sound.

The utility of the new technology is adaptable for security, defense, harbor safety, weather and oil and gas exploration.