DataXplorer Enviro
Gallery
Overview
Solar-powered USV with patented self-righting hull for environmental monitoring, eDNA sampling, and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) studies. Capable of operating in sea states up to Beaufort 8 and in shallow waters as little as 0.5 m deep.
DataXplorer Enviro is a civilian USV platform developed by Open Ocean Robotics in Canada. It is a 3.6 m, ~140 kg solar-powered USV designed for environmental monitoring, eDNA sampling, CTD profiling, and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) studies. Powered by a 300W solar array and 3.5 kWh battery, it can operate for weeks to months at sea with zero emissions. The platform features a patented self-righting hull capable of withstanding gale-force conditions up to Beaufort 8 and can operate in shallow waters as little as 0.5 m deep. It uses an interchangeable pod motor system offering speeds from ~2 kn (long-duration cruise) up to 18 kn (sprint). With a 50 kg payload capacity, satellite/cellular/radio communications, and edge processing, it supports optional modules including profiling winch, additional cameras, or expanded battery capacity. The Enviro+MRV variant integrates advanced sensors for pH, CO2, and CTD measurements for carbon removal trial monitoring. Paired with XplorerView software for real-time data analytics and control. The platform is described as autonomous / supervised in terms of control and autonomy.
Primary Roles
Notes
Beam: 0.9 m. Draft: 0.5 m. Base weight: ~140 kg. Propulsion: direct-drive interchangeable pod motor system. Communications: satellite, cellular, and radio. Patented self-righting hull survives gale-force conditions. Optional modules include profiling winch, additional cameras, or expanded battery capacity. Deployed by Stony Brook University in Shinnecock Bay (Sep 2024) collecting 100+ eDNA samples. Also configured as Enviro+MRV variant with pH, CO2, and CTD sensors for carbon removal monitoring. Paired with XplorerView software for real-time data analytics and control.