COBIA: The next generation buoy a modular approach

Buoys are continuing to see increased use around the world for functions ranging from collecting atmospheric, meteorological and oceanographic data to providing early warning of tsunamis and renewable power generation. To accomplish these tasks, many of the current buoy systems attempt to couple cutting-edge sensors and advanced communication technology with relatively older structural designs and electrical powering. COBIA is a ldquonext generation buoyrdquo approach, designed as a low-profile, modular and fully reconfigurable buoy platform based on state-of-the-art maritime technology. COBIA is designed to support single or multiple payloads and, in its low-profile state, it can be deployed by many types of aircraft and watercraft. COBIA can support and enhance a wide range of missions, from measurement of oceanic, acoustic, meteorological and biological data to the detection and monitoring of maritime hazards, including oil or chemical spills. With COBIA´s multiple and modular communication protocols and technologies, COBIA buoys can serve as gateway network relays between air, surface and subsurface, as well as provide sensor monitoring and detection points for harbor security. COBIA´s modular design greatly simplifies configuration and reconfiguration for specific tasks, while it´s use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components further simplifies repairs and upgrades, thereby lowering engineering, deployment and life-cycle costs. The COBIA next generation buoy solution meets the emergent need for a rapidly designed, fabricated and deployable buoy that can handle the rigors of ocean use. They can be small to allow transportability by a varied number of platforms and are multi-functional with reduced acquisition and operations and maintenance costs. A flexible and modular COBIA buoy-based solution can be easily and rapidly developed for virtually any maritime mission.