National Oceanography Centre, the UK’s leading institute for oceanographic sciences will be exhibiting some of its scientific research using ocean robots at the Bluedot festival this year.

The oceans cover about 71% of the earth’s surface. Measuring the physics, chemistry and biology of these vast, corrosive, stormy, deep environments is extremely challenging. Even with a globally cooperating fleet of highly capable research ships we can take measurements in only a few locations: leaving tens to hundreds of miles and sometimes years between measurements!

Scientists at the NOC are currently deploying a number of different autonomous (require no human operator) robots across the ocean to gain a better understanding of marine ecosystems, ocean health and the impacts of climate change. These robots are able to be left for months at sea in practically any condition.

Speak to some of the scientists who pilot the robots across the seas and learn the importance of plankton poo! Or come and get a selfie with our inflatable robot and dress up as a NOC scientist or engineer!