Rutgers Attempts Robot Atlantic Crossing

RUCOOL writes "Rutgers University students and staff launched a Slocum glider AUV in an attempt to be the first such vehicle to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Progress so far is good, but it will be a long 6- to 9-month journey. Status as well as other information can be tracked here. Media links can be found in the lower left section of page, among images, and storyline blogs." And Google Earth fans can track the vehicle's progress, too.

In Other News...

[BJ_Covert_Action]

The U.S. Navy has developed autonomous long range torpedo technology. In a completely unrelated article, Rutgers students announce that they have lost all contact with their AUV and have offered no explanation as to why....

Xcom

[sakdoctor]

When I saw the google earth map, I had this overwhelming urge to send out subs to intercept it.

Arrrrrr...

[liquidsunshine]

I bet it gets intercepted by pirates. Watch the parts end up on eBay in 6-9 months.

Better Headline

[offrdbandit]

In First Autonomous Act, Robot Flees New Jersey

Slocum

[inKubus]

It'll be much better when they invent the "Fastcum" glider. That will probably drop the trip down to 1 month instead of 6-9.

Robots!

[Anonymous Coward]

http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1175 [phdcomics.com]

Re:Robotic 'Firsts'

[Chris Burke]

First robot to intentionally kill a human.

First robot to kill a hundred humans.

First robot to single handedly wipe out an entire city of humans.

First robot to kill a human while fueled entirely by the corpses of previous humans it killed.

The list goes on and on!

Re:In Other News...

[grcumb]

The U.S. Navy has developed autonomous long range torpedo technology. In a completely unrelated article, Rutgers students announce that they have lost all contact with their AUV and have offered no explanation as to why....

"It was worth the risk," said Rutgers spokesman. "No price is too high if it finally gets us out of New Jersey."

Re:Re tasking

[Phurd Phlegm]

They're not entirely subtle. If spotted (and if you're using them for contraband, they will be spotted) it wouldn't be hard at all to a) follow them back to the recipient or b) shoot them down.

You do understand that they operate underwater, right? Mostly, stuff that's underwater is kind of hard to see and even harder to "shoot down."

Re:Google Earth Fans Weep

[drinkypoo]

Your intel video chip makes the Baby Jesus cry. Are you using a janky netbook, or just a difference engine? Abacus perhaps?