What we Offer
Solution-based engineering
With a range of products, customization options, and add-on services, Acbotics Research offers a la carte marine sensing, autonomy, acoustics and sampling solutions.
Products for Marine Sensing and Sampling
Acbotics Research offers field-tested, affordable product lines for marine sensing applications, including the AcSense and AcConnect as well as a variety of specialized underwater sensors and electronics. We also build water and eDNA samplers. Need more than just logging? We also offer simulation, beamforming, tracking, and localization software.
Consulting
With more than 50 years of combined experience across industry and academia, our senior engineering team provides subject matter advising, design, debugging and system integration services with specialities including marine robotics, underwater acoustics, autonomy, and sensing systems. Current customers include academic, non-profit and industry partners for whom we develop software, analyze data, advise on design, and provide specialty systems engineering and integration. Academic/non-profit rates available.
Customization
Ocean research is highly specialized, so we designed the AcSense electronics and software system to be flexible and extensible for rapid integration in a variety of applications. With the addition of AcModules, the AcPinger, and AcSample systems we have a wide base of in-house designs for faster prototyping and integration of new concepts. Below are just a few of the many semi- or fully custom sensing, logging and streaming systems we have integrated for customers since releasing the AcSense in 2023.
Highlights: Projects and Programs
In Situ eDNA Samplers
In Situ eDNA Samplers
We have developed a low-cost, user-friendly eDNA samplers, including a triplicate pumped sampler (AcSample) and an entirely passive (DiP-FAST) sampler. Both units are designed to be filter-agnostic, moderate-flow rate with easily determined volume per sample. Pre-production models available for sale for 55 m versions of both sampler types.
AcPinger
In Situ eDNA Samplers
Affordable, programmable, open architecture 15-30 kHz pinger product line for localization and one-way, low-rate data communications. Serial interface to configure CWs, LFMs, and FSK data bytes; system can be pre-configured with a ping sequence and duty cycle, or commanded via serial in real time. OEM, science, and basic versions available.
Fishboard
The Fishboard, developed in partnership with Coonamessett Farm Foundation, is a fish and shellfish measurement board designed for low cost and ease of use with optional automated data offload. The system includes a foldable measurement board with magnetic length measurement, RGB and time of flight camera, with QR-code based user data entry for species, user, and notes.
Lineless Lobster Fishing
We are working with the Lobstermen's Association of Massachusetts to adapt the Acbotics AcSense, AcProcess, and pinger products for low-cost lobster pot localization as a part of their NFWF grant entitled "Grappling with Technology". We're excited to directly partner with Massachusetts fishermen to develop impactful, affordable technology solutions to the serious problem of Right Whale entanglement.
NSF ETAUS: PLUTOS
NSF ETAUS: PLUTOS
We are partnering with researchers at Portland State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech to develop Passive Localized Underwater Transiting Observing Systems (PLUTOS) for ecological monitoring. We demonstrated the first two prototype systems with 8- and 16- channel acoustics, CTD, and pumped eDNA in waters off Cape Cod, MA and in local ponds.
AcSense-Mini-Cam
NSF ETAUS: PLUTOS
This summer we have developed and sold the first few AcSense-Mini-Cam systems for use in turtle studies; these acoustic loggers include one or two hydrophones, a pressure/temperature sensor, and an SPI camera. The first beta unit was deployed by a customer in July 2024.
Acoustic Systems
We continue to sell acoustic logging and streaming systems to a variety of customers in industry and academia; these systems are being use on ROVs, AUVs, ASVs, moorings, and bottom landers for a variety of bioacoustics, physical oceanography/tomography, situational awareness, soundscape, and navigation applications, though our biggest seller continues to be our OEM hardware.
Icthystick Upgrade Kit
In spring 2024, we developed an open-source hardware and software upgrade for the Icthystick system used by several organizations as a part of fisheries monitoring and logging studies. The resulting "Icthystick upgrade kit" is now available from Acbotics Research with a detailed upgrade guide and user manual.