On Wednesday, Liquid Robotics announced the Japanese coast guard has received several Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicles. The USVs, delivered via partner company Hydro Systems Development, will perform a variety of duties while out in the ocean — chief among them, providing information on the country’s oceanic data.




The Wave Gliders will be a part of a multiyear program under the Japanese coast guard that will monitor ocean currents, wave activity and weather along Japan’s coastlines. The Wave Gliders do not use fuel, and they have the capability to be out on sea autonomously for long periods of time.




“It is an honor to assist the Japan coast guard with helping protect their coastal environments and populations against natural emergencies and to enhance their understanding of their coastal seas,” says Gary Gysin, president and CEO of Liquid Robotics. “Together with HSD, we will partner to bring real-time, actionable intelligence to help the Japan coast guard safeguard their seas.”




“Hydro Systems Development is excited to support the Japan coast guard in their efforts to better monitor Japan’s ocean environment and ensure the safety of those in and around the sea,” says Takashi Kitsuda, president of Hydro Systems Development. “We are grateful for the support from Liquid Robotics and know that the Wave Glider presents a game-changing technology for the ocean environment and for the Japan coast guard.”




The Wave Gliders will be a part of the country’s inaugural ocean observation network. The goal of the network is to provide the latest updates on the state of the ocean.

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