Startup Launches First-Ever Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT)

Data is changing the world, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is leading the charge. With billions of smart devices talking to each other, we’re more connected than ever. But there’s a catch: our oceans, covering 72% of the Earth and home to 80% of its creatures, are left out of the conversation.

That’s a big deal, especially when you consider how vital oceans are. They’re not just vast bodies of water; they play a key role in things like climate change.

So, how do we get our oceans online? Enter the world of Underwater Network Technology. While we have some marine research spots, they’re like tiny islands in a vast ocean. But there’s good news. Companies like WSense are diving deep into creating an underwater version of IoT, called the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT).

WSense’s Start: A Journey from Italy

WSense started its journey in Rome, at the University of Sapienza. Under Professor Chiara Petrioli, they aimed to make underwater networks a reality. Since kicking off in 2017, WSense has grown, setting up shop in Italy, the U.K., and Norway. Their hard work caught the eye of big names like the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

How WSense Makes Underwater Internet Work

Building an internet for the oceans? That’s no easy task. Regular wireless tech doesn’t work well underwater. A mix of sound-based communication and light tech, all guided by smart algorithms. This setup can send info across 1000 meters, adjusting to the ocean’s ever-changing moods.

The uses for WSense’s tech are pretty cool. It helps monitor fish farms, lets underwater robots chat with each other, and keeps an eye on deep-sea structures. Divers can also get real-time info during their dives, kind of like an underwater tour guide. Plus, it’s helping scientists study how sea life is reacting to climate change and keeping tabs on underwater historical sites.

Also read : Our oceans are the warmest in recorded history, what happens next?

But WSense has bigger fish to fry. They’re not just making gadgets; they want to set the gold standard for IoUT. They’re all about making sure different devices can work together and getting this tech to as many people as possible. Their efforts even won them a prize at the World Economic Forum’s Ocean Data Challenge.

In a nutshell, WSense is on a mission. They believe we can’t wait to learn more about our oceans, especially with challenges like climate change on the horizon. With their tech, we might just get the full picture before it’s too late.