The fish-shaped robotic vehicle, equipped with domestically developed detection sonars, extensively explored an area of 7,000 square meters beneath the Arctic ice.
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named “XH1000,” developed by a team from Harbin Engineering University in China, has successfully conducted under-ice environment detection operations during the country’s 13th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. Concluding in late September, the mission focused on the Chukchi Sea and provided a wealth of data, including measurements of ocean water temperature, salinity, and pH levels.
The fish-shaped robotic vehicle, equipped with domestically developed detection sonars, extensively explored an area of 7,000 square meters beneath the Arctic ice. This innovative technology holds the potential to significantly advance scientific understanding of sea-ice transformation and ocean currents in the region.
Zhu Zhongben, an associate professor at Harbin Engineering University and the leader of the operation team, emphasized that the data collected will be instrumental in enhancing scientists’ comprehension of the evolving dynamics of the Arctic environment. It will also serve as valuable support for China in effectively addressing the repercussions of global climate change.
The expedition provided an opportunity to validate various technologies, particularly in the domain of underwater navigation at high latitudes in the polar region. It also garnered invaluable experience in deploying robotic submersibles in high-risk polar areas characterized by extreme and challenging conditions.
Embarking on the 13th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition on July 12, Chinese scientists utilized the polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 for their journey. After covering an impressive 15,000 nautical miles, the team returned to Shanghai on September 27. Notably, Xuelong 2 reached the North Pole on September 5, marking a significant milestone in China’s scientific research efforts in the polar region.
This achievement signifies a major step forward in China’s capabilities for polar exploration, opening new avenues for advanced research and insights into the Arctic environment. The success of the autonomous underwater vehicle “XH1000” demonstrates the potential for further advancements in underwater technology and its critical role in understanding and addressing global climate challenges.