Integrating Remote Operations into Ocean Exploration: Steps Towards Collaborative Operations Between Ship and Shore

With new advances in high-bandwidth satellite tech-nology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, teleoperation of ocean vehicles is becoming feasible practice. The addition of shoreside support leads to streamlined operations, increased ocean exploration efficiency, and the ability to engage the broader community. Reducing shipside personnel also provides flexibility to operate on various vessels, including the upcoming Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV) being built in the United States by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This trend shifts towards multi-vehicle operations. The work presented aims to outline specifications for applying remote operations to ocean exploration and scientific understanding. Our remote operation model is placed in the context of the engineering and operation of these vehicle assets; where the primary focus is the ability to complete tasks such as watch-standing, data processing, troubleshooting, and piloting. Through participation in an expedition on E/V Nautilus in October 2023, objectives included determining the requirements and recommended tools for appropriate situational awareness on shore, further developing a navigational aid for simplifying integration of vehicles of different software architectures, collecting data on network performance including preliminary testing of Low Earth Orbit Satellite capabilities, and observing workflows to improve collaboration strategies between ship and shore personnel. Results demonstrate a step towards designing a fly-away system that is flexible for integrating onto a variety of ships and tolerating a range of network connectivity levels.