Saildrones : The #ocean #drones trawling for climate change data
▻http://money.cnn.com/2017/10/27/technology/saildrone-autonomous-boats-drones/index.html
The autonomous vessels — called “Saildrones” — resemble bright red surfboards. Each is fitted with a 20-foot-high carbon fiber sail, and 16 sensors that test variables including carbon dioxide, acidity, currents and water temperature.
The drones, which cruise at a leisurely 3-5 miles per hour, are doing work typically reserved for manned research ships — but for a small fraction of the cost.