About PEARL

A simple overview for researchers, partners, and anyone curious about the project.

What is PEARL?

PEARL stands for Platform for Expanding AUV exploRation to Longer ranges. She is an autonomous floating platform that can harvest solar energy to recharge autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and connect to high-bandwidth low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations for near-real-time data transmission.

The current PEARL prototype is a small-scale unit that serves as an autonomous smart data buoy — She has previously been deployed in Pleasant Bay, MA, in partnership with Pleasant Bay Community Boating, and in the Charles River at MIT, constantly collecting environmental data about the ocean and atmosphere. She is fully solar-powered and uses an Starlink satellite terminal to relay data back to shore.

Why does PEARL exist?

Ocean exploration with AUVs is limited by battery life and the need to return to shore for data and power. PEARL aims to extend how far and how long AUVs can operate by providing a floating "service station" that can recharge them and send data to shore via satellite — so researchers can get near-real-time environmental data from remote waters.

What problems does PEARL solve?

  • Remote data access — Get environmental data from the water without being on site.
  • Long-duration operation — Solar power and satellite link enable persistent monitoring.
  • Future AUV support — A path toward recharging AUVs at sea to extend their range.
  • Global relevance — Design and data are relevant for researchers and partners worldwide.

PEARL in context

How it works

1

Deploy

PEARL is deployed in the water (e.g. Pleasant Bay). She floats and stays on station.

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2

Sensor

Sensors measure air and water temperature, humidity, pressure, light, and more.

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3

Power

Solar panels charge the onboard battery so PEARL runs without shore power.

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4

Transmit

An Iridium satellite terminal sends data to shore for near-real-time viewing.

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