The COMBB project uses low-cost robotic floats called TideRiders to increase the number and diversity of locations where water quality measurements are taken. TideRiders opportunistically harness tidal currents to move to operator-defined waypoints by anchoring on the seafloor in adverse currents and “riding the tide” on the surface in favorable currents. TideRider data collected during the COMBB project will be used to assess the importance of spatially diverse sampling locations and to assess the importance of the physical proximity of measurement locations to stakeholders. This element of COMBB aims to demonstrate the potential of low-cost robotics to cost-effectively augment water quality monitoring programs.
A TideRider surfaces in West Falmouth Harbor during a test deployment in December, 2024.
Track taken by a TideRider during a 36-hour test deployment in West Falmouth Harbor in December, 2024. The device held station around the waypoint shown in green to within about 100 m while operating within the strong reversing tidal currents passing beneath the bridge.