On the 20th of November, 2024, the SeaTerra crawler, now equipped with a new manipulator arm, underwent its first underwater trials in the diving pool of the new Technicum building at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). These tests were part of an extensive effort to integrate the crawler into REMARCO’s monitoring and remediation strategy.
In the morning SeaTerra’s technical team set up the entire system, ensuring that all cameras and operational settings could be monitored remotely. This setup provided real-time observation and control of the crawler during testing, a critical component for ensuring success in future operational deployments.
To assess its functionality, the manipulator arm was tested for sediment sampling. The arm, equipped with specialized tools, collected sediment by filling individual numbered containers. These tests demonstrated the precision and reliability of the crawler’s sampling mechanism. In addition, the crawler was fitted with the revised version of the AWI’s revolving water sampling device, able to collect water at distinct locations very close to the bottom.
Both configurations of the crawler performed seamlessly, further confirming the system’s versatility and robustness.
Adding to the significance of the day, the entire testing process was documented by a film crew from Welt24. The footage will be featured in an upcoming three-part documentary on sea-dumped munitions, scheduled for release in spring 2025.
This successful trial marks an important milestone in the development of the SeaTerra crawler, showcasing its potential as a reliable tool for underwater research and environmental monitoring. In spring during the upcoming RV Heincke expedition, the crawler will then be tested under real North Sea conditions!
Watch a highlight summary of the day on our YouTube channel:
Cover: © Klara Liebrecht, AWI 2024. All rights reserved.