SAMMI’s testing the water
20 May 2019
Robotics is revolutionising the
way
water quality is being monitored across
South East Queensland.
Seqwater’s Autonomous Motorised Monitoring Instrument, or SAMMI, is the
result of Seqwater working with robotic researchers at
QUT’s Institute
for Future Environments.
“This solar-powered, self-driving robot has the capacity to change the
way Seqwater monitors it’s
water quality,’’ Natural Resources Minister
Dr Anthony Lynham said.
“Water quality monitoring for drinking water and for recreation is a
critical to Seqwater’s operations,’’ Dr Lynham said
“Until now, the in-lake instruments Seqwater used to analyse and monitor
water quality could only be used in fixed locations. This meant the
field scientists had to travel to difficult-to-access areas in order to
monitor and service the instruments.
“With this new
technology in combination with Seqwater’s existing fixed network,
water quality monitoring will be more efficient and effective.’’
QUT Researcher Professor Matt Dunbabin, said the 1.7m robot was capable
of operating autonomously in waterways, collecting water samples and
measuring water quality parameters, as well as creating sonar maps of
each reservoir.
Other unique features of the robot include the ability to dock into a
custom berth to allow for solar recharging and attachments for
helicopter lifting into remote, inaccessible areas.
“Whilst SAMMI has taken nine months to build and test, it leverages many
years of experience in robotic boat technology for
environmental
assessment,” Professor Dunbabin said.
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said partnering on
research projects with universities like QUT provided long-term benefits
for South East Queensland’s
water supply.
“The development and implementation of SAMMI highlights the importance
of finding research-based solutions to help best manage South East
Queensland’s water supplies,” Mr Brennan said.
“As technology evolves it provides us with the fantastic opportunities
to incorporate cutting edge solutions and help us work smarter.’”
SAMMI operates by following location and task commands preloaded using a
custom tablet-based user interface.
The robot moves from one location to another using a range of
GPS and
obstacle avoidance sensors and then collects water samples and other
water quality information before returning to base.
This allows operation anytime of the day or night, rain or sunshine.
Seqwater expects to incorporate SAMMI into its operations over the
second half of 2019.
Footage of SAMMI can be viewed and downloaded here, https://seqwater-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/chris_owen_seqwater_com_au/EfLBjDU_JftDlGCcY7k8btIBPIQVsrGSuRa56k_4synzwg?e=a58CVz
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact:
Minister’s office David Potter 0428 411 617
Seqwater: Chris Owen 0432 272 970
External Links: N/A
Recent news by: Queensland Government