A drone developed by Liquid Robotics is roving the ocean and collecting environmental data to develop warning systems. 

The Wave Glider was developed by Liquid Robotics to record wave velocity and the speed of wind and water current.

The ocean drone consists of two segments: a solar-panel, surfboard-like shell that floats on the water's surface and a measuring device floating five meters below it. The device is driven by propellers and "wave-powered" wings that serve as an anchor.

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Graham Hine, co-founder of Liquid Robotics, said the drone can be essential in preventing tragedies caused by unpreparedness and lack of information. The drone can reach places in the ocean where no human has ever been to.

"We can forecast the direction of a hurricane, the intensity, and better understand the original formation of storms," Hine said.

The glider is being used to document parts of the ocean not reached by explorers.

The drone is able to measure the ocean's acidity levels and assess the damage an area has taken. According to Hine, the drone can aid in monitoring the ocean's ecosystem and help in conservation efforts.

Gliders were sent to the Arctic in the summer to evaluate the amount of hydrocarbons in the water. They also assessed the effects of gloobal warming on Arctic ice.

Because of the drone's advanced technology, the company received several military clients and conservation offers.

Chris Roman, professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, said the drones offer great advances in ocean exploration. Roman uses the drone for oil spill research.

There is only a limited area that a manned submarine can reach, Roman said.

"If submarines are like searching with a microscope, these (drones) are like satellites," he added.

Only about five percent of the world's oceans have been explored. Scientists and researchers strive to make up for this omission by using drones and other robotic vehicles. 

Tagswave glider, drone, Science