OWL

OWL

Autonomous Shallow-Water Camera

OWL is a compact autonomous underwater camera designed for coastal research in shallow-water environments. It features a low-power architecture that enables extended missions of up to one week, with a programmable imaging system supporting photo, video, and audio acquisition modes, including configurable time-lapse operation. Integrated white LED illumination ensures high-quality imaging even in low-light conditions, while optional laser modules provide dimensional reference within still images.

It is an efficient imaging solution conceived for short- to mid-term monitoring activities in coastal and nearshore marine environments. The system is specifically designed for ease of deployment in shallow waters, making it suitable for both fixed installations and lightweight mobile platforms. Its compact and energy-efficient design allows for flexible use in scenarios where larger systems may not be practical.

The device acquires underwater data at a configurable rate and manages onboard storage and transfer through an optimized low-power microcontroller. The system allows control over illumination and laser settings for image capture and can operate either by connecting to an external Wi-Fi network or by acting as a standalone access point. The collected data can be accessed, visualized, and shared through a dedicated application, enabling streamlined analysis and integration into research workflows.

OWL standard configuration
Example of use: boat hull health monitoring

APPLICATIONS

  • Marine biodiversity observation and habitat monitoring
  • Detection of commercial and invasive species
  • Jellyfish bloom and mucilage tracking
  • Monitoring of marine protected areas
  • Documentation of underwater geological structures
  • Inspection of underwater infrastructure (e.g. pipelines)
  • Wreck detection and site exploration

KEY FEATURES

  • Easy to use (program through the app, dive in,
    set down);
  • Smartphone app to program frequency of
    recording or time-lapse;
  • Programmable LEDs and optionally available
    laser pointers for size measuring;
  • Estimates of the mission length shown in-app;
  • Downloadable data with Wi-Fi connection;
  • Free from connectors;
  • Battery made for short term missions (~1 week);
  • Handy battery recharge with wireless charger;
  • Deployable up to 50m depths;
  • Effortless transport thanks to its small size;
Installation site in Porto Rotondo, Italy (2024)

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