# Maintenance & Modularity

The maintenance and modularity aspects of BLOB have been carefully designed to minimize operational downtime while maximizing adaptability to evolving monitoring requirements. This approach ensures that BLOB remains a cost-effective and future-proof investment for port authorities and coastal management organizations.

## Routine Maintenance

BLOB’s maintenance schedule is designed to prevent issues before they affect performance. The most frequent task is sensor pod cleaning and recalibration, addressing biofouling and sediment buildup. Sensor modules are built for easy removal and cleaning without tools. Calibration uses automated tests against reference conditions to detect drift early, with performance logs helping predict replacements.

Firmware and AI model updates are delivered securely via Over-The-Air (OTA) when BLOB is docked, improving control, analytics, and security. Quarterly structural integrity scans use diagnostics to check for stress, corrosion, or seal wear, comparing 3D models over time to catch emerging issues before they impact operations.

## Modular Design Philosophy

BLOB’s design is rooted in modularity, enhancing maintenance, customization, and long-term adaptability. Sensor pods are easily swappable via a standardized snap-on interface that includes auto-configuring power and data connections, allowing fast reconfiguration for different mission types—such as switching from environmental monitoring to infrastructure inspection.

This plug-and-play system eliminates setup complexity and ensures seamless integration of new modules. Modularity also applies to propulsion, battery, and computing subsystems, enabling targeted repairs or upgrades without replacing entire assemblies. This approach streamlines upkeep, supports evolving mission needs, and extends the platform’s operational lifespan with minimal disruption.

## Custom Payloads

BLOB’s modular design allows for the integration of custom payloads that significantly expand its operational capabilities beyond standard sensor swaps.

**Acoustic monitoring** payloads equip BLOB with hydrophones and analysis tools to assess underwater noise levels, useful for tracking impacts on marine life or detecting early signs of mechanical issues in port infrastructure.

**Visual documentation** packages replace standard sensors with high-resolution cameras, including thermal and multispectral options for imaging in challenging underwater conditions. These setups often include expanded storage to handle large volumes of video data.

**Specialized sampling systems** enable BLOB to collect physical or water samples, triggered automatically by detected anomalies—ensuring timely, targeted sampling of unusual events rather than relying on fixed schedules.

These payloads make BLOB adaptable for a wide range of specialized monitoring tasks, supporting both routine and investigative missions.

## Lifecycle Management

BLOB’s maintenance and modular design support a full lifecycle management strategy that ensures long-term performance and maximizes return on investment.

**Component lifecycle tracking** logs usage and performance for key subsystems, enabling predictive maintenance based on real-world conditions rather than fixed intervals. This allows for proactive part replacement during scheduled servicing, reducing the risk of mission-critical failures.

**Upgrade pathways** are built into the design with backward compatibility in mind, allowing new components to integrate seamlessly into existing platforms. This modularity lets organizations upgrade high-priority systems first, spreading costs over time as budgets allow.

**End-of-life planning** is embedded in BLOB’s design, with recyclable materials and clearly marked components for safe disposal or recovery of sensitive elements—supporting environmental responsibility through decommissioning.

Together, these features reflect a design philosophy centered on long-term adaptability, sustainability, and reduced maintenance burden, ensuring BLOB remains a future-ready monitoring solution.
