Deployment & Operations

The deployment and operational procedures for BLOB have been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing port operations while minimizing additional workload for personnel. These procedures cover the entire operational lifecycle from initial deployment through mission execution to retrieval and data processing.

Deployment Procedure

BLOB is deployed into the marine environment through a streamlined process ensuring safe launch and system readiness. Two methods are used: a dock-based cradle for routine launches from fixed locations, which also charges BLOB until deployment; and a crane-arm method using a davit or small crane for flexible launches from vessels or temporary sites. After entering the water, BLOB performs an automated systems check, then initiates an auto-dive to its mission depth, adjusting buoyancy and monitoring conditions to ensure a safe, controlled descent.

Mission Execution

At operational depth, BLOB follows one of two navigation modes. The predefined grid pattern is used for routine monitoring, ensuring full area coverage with uniform data collection. For dynamic conditions or targeted investigations, adaptive path planning allows BLOB to adjust its route in real time, focusing on areas with detected anomalies to maximize insight.

During missions, BLOB uses its sensors for situational awareness, avoiding vessels, underwater structures, and natural obstacles through a safety-first, hierarchical decision system. It can temporarily reroute and then resume its mission path. Throughout, BLOB monitors system health and battery status, and will safely return to base if critical limits are reached, protecting data and equipment.

Retrieval Process

At the end of a mission—or when triggered by conditions like low battery or critical findings—BLOB initiates retrieval procedures using one of two main methods. The beacon homing method guides BLOB to a fixed recovery point using acoustic signals, ideal for dock-based operations. The GPS surface return method is suited for vessel-based or mobile deployments, where BLOB surfaces at a preset location, activates GPS, and transmits its position for flexible recovery.

Recovery is done using equipment suited to the context: a soft net for manual capture, or an autonomous docking bay for permanent installations, which streamlines maintenance and data transfer post-mission.

Post-Mission Processing

After recovery, BLOB begins an automated post-mission sequence to prepare for future use and process collected data. High-speed wired connections transfer the full mission dataset to shore servers, ensuring reliable data delivery. Simultaneously, BLOB is rinsed with fresh water to prevent corrosion, sensors undergo calibration checks, and inductive charging recharges the battery automatically.

The offloaded data is quality-checked, formatted, and analyzed for urgent findings, which are flagged and sent to relevant personnel. The rest is archived for future comparison. This streamlined process balances efficiency, reliability, and data quality, while reducing manual workload and supporting BLOB’s readiness for the next mission.