Seatrec's NASA-based tech powers autonomous ocean exploration

California-based Seatrec Inc. has developed an innovative system that allows robots to explore the seafloor indefinitely without human intervention, using technology originally created at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Founded by former NASA scientist Yi Chao, Seatrec's infiniTE float system utilises phase-change materials to generate power at sea. The technology enables autonomous deep-sea exploration, mining, and infrastructure projects, while also reducing battery waste on the ocean floor. Successfully tested in 2011, the system is now poised to revolutionise ocean exploration and various underwater applications. (Interesting Engineering)