Open Oceans is a global technology partner program designed to accelerate the creation, integration and deployment of new technologies and applications for unmanned ocean systems. Building upon the Wave Glider®, the world’s first wave and solar powered ocean robot, this program offers participating partners a comprehensive suite of open systems integration and development tools, interfaces, training and services as well as access to the first Open Linux, JAVA based Operating Environment designed for maritime systems.

The program content includes:

• Hardware Development Kit: Engineering documentation, physical and electro-mechanical specifications, CAD drawings and a hardware workbench that can reduce the need for a full Wave Glider during software and electrical development
• Interfaces: Standards-based and documented to allow integration with sensors, on board and shore side software.
• Data Delivery Portal: Methodology for access to data and meta data generated by Wave Glider
• Design-In Component Modules: Components including payload enclosures, towed payload systems, cable and connector kits to speed integration onto to the Wave Glider
• Training: Hands on classroom curriculum covering Wave Glider design, system design considerations, as well as electrical, software and mechanical integration
• Developer Support: Tailored direct and online support for developers and integrators throughout the project lifecycle, from consultation on architectural concepts to detailed design reviews and advanced technical support.
• Partner Portal: Online access to documentation, tools, knowledge base, and support

The Wave Glider provides a standards-based and open development environment for developers, who can customize to address application needs with their own hardware, sensors, software, and management. Open platforms are comprised of two key components:

• Industry standard software operating environments languages and communication protocols that provide a consistent architecture on top of which developers can build value-add components. Standardization improves development productivity, interoperability and enables write software once deploy in volume across multiple targets. Examples of standards used in the Wave Glider platform are LINUX, Java, and TCP.
• Published interfaces that define a consistent way for application and hardware providers to integrate and interoperate with the system. Today Liquid Robotics publishes methods for exchanging data and accessing system services using alternatives such as XML, REST, SOAP and JSON. In addition, we publish a comprehensive set of CAD drawings and design documentation to enable integration of electrical and mechanical components with the Wave Glider.

Details of the open platform components:

• Comprehensive set of CAD drawings and design documentation to enable integration of electrical and mechanical components with the Wave Glider.
• Inter-computer communication via HTTP over Ethernet.
• Well-documented REST interface simplifies application integration and allows applications to take advantage of communication, navigation, sensor, etc. elements.
• Sensor management computers run on Linux and can be programmed using JAVA, C++, Python, or Lua. Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) omniORB is used for inter-process communication.
• Wave Glider’s Regulus command and control system uses JAVA reflection to identify and store commands and report these back to the remote Wave Glider Management System (WGMS). In this way partner applications are quickly and easily incorporated into a unified mission operation system. A web services API into the WGMS further enables mission control integration with other partner shore side monitor and control applications.
• Web GUI interface into the Wave Glider’s Regulus command and control system provides for easy system configuration, diagnostics, and management.
• Data Services Environment cloud portal provides HTTP query and feed options through a credentialed web UI.

To participate in the program partners must be approved by Liquid Robotics and sign the Liquid Robotics Developer Agreement. Developers will be expected to participate in Developer Training and to purchase professional services support hours.

A good fit for the program are systems integrators, sensor and instrument manufacturers, or software providers who offer defense, commercial or environmental maritime solutions—that are seeking to:

• Combine their offerings with the Wave- Glider SV3 Platform and deliver the full solution to their customers
• Develop value add sensor and software solutions and make them available to Wave-Glider system integrators or end users
• Extend their solution portfolio with services offerings such as Wave Glider mission planning and marine operations services

Partners can increase the value of their existing offerings; generate new revenue opportunity and differentiation by leveraging the capabilities of the Wave Glider to:

• Deliver solutions not possible/practical with today’s conventional approaches
• Deliver more cost effective application alternatives vs. today’s conventional solutions
• Build new system components, sensors and applications that can be delivered by other partners
• Create new services offerings for Wave Glider mission planning operations and service

Participation requires participation in Liquid Robotics Developer Training. This training is designed to assure partners are well equipped to take advantage of the program, including use of detailed design documentation. While documentation is extensive, partners will require support and are expected to purchase Professional Services Support hours. Additional development tools, test offers, and custom support components of the program can be purchased based on specific partner requirements.

Access to Developer Resources requires execution of the Developer Agreement. For resellers who do not wish to pursue development or Wave Glider systems integration projects these resources are of less immediate relevance.

Program development tools such as the Hardware Development Kit are designed to simulate the target Wave Glider vehicle so partners do not have to invest up-front in a fully functional Wave Glider. Partners should consider acquiring Wave Gliders where appropriate to support demo and proof of concept stages of their customer engagements. Liquid Robotics offers special pricing to support these cases.

Fill in the form below this FAQ, or send an email to openoceans@liquid-robotics.com.