Navigating the Depths of Innovation in Ocean Engineering
As I pursue my interest in ocean engineering, I am deeply drawn to the vast, unexplored depths of the world’s oceans, as well as the potential for technological innovation in this field. Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, and yet more than 20% of those oceans remain unexplored. I hope to share today some of the ways the course I am currently taking has sparked new ideas about my future in ocean engineering, and how sustainability and innovation are important in that field.
After I recently spoke with the founder of OceanComm at the University of Illinois engineering career fair, I expanded my desire to study the oceans. OceanComm is a company based out of Chicago that pioneers new technology in underwater video, and has reinforced my desire to foster sustainable innovation in underwater exploration. They are currently working on new wireless communication systems that allow for ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) to transmit video wirelessly, which eliminates the need for a tether that attaches the drone to a vessel or larger ship. These tethers limit the range and ability of the vehicles during deep water dives and exploration, and this technology has many applications in ocean engineering efficiency, as well as solving issues related to environmental sustainability within marine technology.
OceanComm’s designs relate closely to themes I’ve learned about in my coursework, where we’ve studied innovation techniques and strategies for building groundbreaking ideas. By combining elements of sustainability as well as unique R&D practices, I can ensure that I am equipped to make a difference in my field of interest and promote exploration in places no person has ever gone before.
Ocean Technology and the Need for Sustainable Innovation
Within the context of technology, sustainability as a broader term has come to represent not only environmental responsibility, but also an approach to business that can allow companies to survive in a future with increasingly limited resources. As mentioned in some of my course resources, environmental sustainability is emerging as an important consideration for tech companies, shaping new standards in the industry and considerations for executives. The link between success and environmental impact is especially crucial in ocean engineering, where technological advancements can often interact directly with marine ecosystems, which are one of the most threatened habitats on earth.
Wireless ROV technology, such as OceanComm’s, shows how sustainable innovation can minimize ecological impact. Traditional ROVs, tethered to surface vessels, often involve lengthy cables that can interfere with marine life and damage sensitive underwater habitats. The possible shift to wireless ROVs represents an opportunity to leave behind traditional tech, allowing for exploration that maintains the health of ocean habitats. Many professionals who are passionate about ocean exploration are also very passionate about sustainability and caring for the environment, and technology innovation can allow the industry to successfully explore the oceans without having an adverse impact on them.
This type of work is also part of a broader trend toward creating adaptable and resilient technologies. Wireless communication in particular can reduce both the logistical and environmental costs of underwater exploration, as removing the need for constant surface connection can lead to a lower carbon footprint and decrease our need for more energy intensive methods.
Fostering New Ideas and Overcoming the Innovation “Valley of Death”
In my course we have also examined various challenges and strategies associated with developing and producing innovative ideas, including where most good concepts fail. The “Valley of Death” as coined in a Ted-Ed refers to the phase in the ideation steps where promising ideas often fail due to a lack of funding, support, or proof of concept. New ideas in sustainability and technology confront unique challenges in this phase due to the high costs of research and development and the inherent resistance to change that many consumers have. Zero carbon technologies are often affected by this phase the most, as “the timelines are long, and, in spite of the good they can do, demand is often low because they can require big changes in both infrastructure and consumer behavior.” Innovation within Ocean engineering, like in the case of OceanComm, also struggles with this. Access to field testing environments is costly, and the field as a whole struggles with funding in a world that is focused elsewhere.
One approach to navigating the Valley of Death involves adopting a flexible R&D strategy that focuses on iterative development and failure resilience. In a similar notion, Astro Teller’s TED Talk on celebrating failure in innovation highlights the value of learning from setbacks, as this can be a key step in progress. Executives on our guest panel from Caterpillar also emphasized the idea of “failing forward” and failing early, allowing for a low cost strategy to innovate and create new ideas without taking costly hits from later design phases. OceanComm’s iterative testing process embodies this principle, as the company refines its technology by analyzing failed prototypes and improving upon their designs. They have already developed multiple versions of their wireless technology, and this type of strategy in embracing failure and pivoting based on results is what separates successful innovators from those who may never see their idea come to life.
The Future of Ocean Engineering and My Career Aspirations
After reflecting on my conversation with OceanComm’s founder and the knowledge gained from my coursework, I am more inspired than ever to pursue a career focused on sustainable technology in ocean engineering. My goal is to innovate in a way that emphasizes both environmental preservation and technological movement. The scope of possible creations within marine technology is wide, and I hope to be part of developing solutions that prioritize ocean health alongside exploration capabilities. Moreover, learning about the commercial and environmental aspects of sustainable underwater technologies has helped expand my understanding of the ocean engineering field. Companies now are not only responding to demands for sustainable practices, but are also attempting to create technologies that address potential environmental risks in the future. Moving forward, the field will require a combination of technical skill, environmental awareness, and a willingness to embrace new ideas and navigate their inevitable challenges. In developing sustainable solutions, we as engineers are not just solving problems, we are making a commitment to protect our oceans and world for future generations.
