Divers for the Environment December 2023

NEWS

DEEP DIVE DUBAI CELEBRATES INNOVATION AND THE FUTURE OF UNDERWATER EXPLORATION WITH OCEANONEK

Photos by Ally Landes

On the 27th of September, Deep Dive Dubai, owned by Shamal Holding, hosted a significant event featuring the groundbreaking OceanOneK. The event, attended by distinguished VIP guests and media, showcased the remarkable collaboration between Deep Dive Dubai and Stanford University’s Robotic Lab, led by Professor Oussama Khatib, the visionary behind the humanoid robot.

Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s most unique diving experience, provided an unparalleled platform for the OceanOneK Robot to exhibit its diverse capabilities, reflecting its unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries in underwater technology.

This event celebrated the profound connection between humans and the underwater world, exemplified by OceanOneK’s seamless interaction with its surroundings. From playing billiards to treasure hunting, the robot’s versatility is evidence to the limitless possibilities that lie beneath the surface.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, the Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, said, “We are delighted to welcome Professor Oussama Khatib and his team to Deep Dive Dubai, providing a unique showcase of the future of underwater exploration. The collaboration between Stanford University’s Robotic Lab and Deep Dive Dubai evokes Dubai’s spirit of exploration, discovery and enjoyment. Shamal is proud to play an active role in positively contributing to Dubai’s longterm ambitions, working with world-class partners to push the boundaries of innovation and technology as we continue to invest in 16

DIVERS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT | DECEMBER 2023

the extraordinary, generating meaningful and sustainable returns.”

“The OceanOneK’s ability to seamlessly interact with its surroundings sets a new standard for underwater robotics and opens innovative paths for research and discovery. At Deep Dive Dubai, we firmly believe that diving is not just a sport, but a spirit of exploration that fuels our collective imagination. We encourage individuals to test their limits and plunge into new depths, both figuratively and literally. Our facility is a testament to this ethos, equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology, creating an environment where innovation thrives.” added Jarrod Jablonski, director of Deep Dive Dubai.

The robot’s haptic (touch-based) feedback system and stereoscopic vision produce incredibly realistic sensations like those a person would experience while diving underwater.That means that when an operator uses controls to direct OceanOneK, the robot’s haptic feedback system allows the person to physically feel the environment, including details like the contours of ancient artifacts.

The robot is an exceptional technological marvel, possessing the rare ability to see and explore through images, manipulate objects with its hands, and establish a connection with humans. These distinguishing features set it apart from other underwater robots on the global stage.

EDA’s Project Director, Ally Landes asked, “Are there any environmental projects you are looking to get involved with here in the UAE?”

Professor Oussama Khatib responded with, “Well actually we designed this robot to help with the environment, to help with corals.

Corals require intervention, we need to place sensors, and we need to take samples.

When we went to explore the sunken Italian steamship Le Francesco Crispi, we found very rare and fragile corals there. We had to figure out how to take small samples without breaking them. Marine biologists are going crazy because they are down at 507 metres and you cannot safely get down there. But, imagine what we can do now.

We haven’t done anything yet using the robot in the UAE, but we’ve started some collaborations. We are talking across the Emirates with different universities, groups and institutes to start helping not only in the natural environment, but also with artificial things we are installing in the world. We are not maintaining these structures we are building, and they are deteriorating.

I look at this robot and see we are going to allow humans to go beyond their limits. But at the same time, you’re not only going to be seeing – you’re going to be able to feel, and to touch.”

Ally Landes also asked, “What was the deepest depth you’ve got OceanOneK down to?”

“We went to 852 metres and hit the ground.

We could go deeper. The design of the robot was for 1,000 metres. That’s why we call it OceanOnek. But this technology can take us down to 4,000 metres”, said Professor Oussama Khatib.