Whale Rover for Bio-Logging

Bio-logging is a technique using data loggers attached to the bodies of animals to conduct ecological surveys. It is applied to sperm whales and provides valuable information about their diving depth, swimming velocity, and other habits. Zoologists are trying to capture video data of preying sperm whales, as no one has yet seen what happens when a sperm whale eats a giant squid. Currently, it is only possible to put a data logger on the back of a sperm whale. It is not yet possible to take a video of the mouth area of the sperm whale from the back because of the lack of visibility in deep ocean water. To solve this problem, we are introducing the “Whale Rover” which has the ability to move along the surface of the sperm whale using robotic technology. In addition, we apply the Environment-Driven concept proposed in our previous work. The whale rover is driven by the flow of water caused by the swimming motion of the whale. No batteries or CPUs are required for the transport system. In this study, a prototype is designed and developed. The feasibility of the prototype is confirmed by underwater experiments.