When one thinks of exploring the ocean, images of majestic whales and colorful coral reefs often come to mind. But beneath the surface lies another world, largely uncharted and unknown. Amid growing concerns about climate change, legislation, and environmental control, Joe Wolfel and Judson Kauffman, two former Navy SEALs, launched Terradepth, their ambitious venture aimed at mapping the ocean floor and transforming our comprehension of this aquatic domain.
The inspiration behind Terradepth was sparked by a chilling incident in 2005 involving the USS San Francisco, which collided with an uncharted underwater mountain. This mishap left Wolfel bewildered by how little was known about underwater geography and sparked years of dialogue between him and Kauffman about how technology could solve this problem. Their conversations eventually led to the establishment of Terradepth.
“What this problem demands is somebody taking a big bite, and I mean really tackling the problem from all angles,” Wolfel remarked during their appearance on TechCrunch’s Found podcast. He emphasized the need for vertical integration, which involves investing significantly in both hardware and robotic technologies to improve ocean data collection capabilities.
Terradepth is not just about mapping the sea floor; it’s also about building accessible platforms for stakeholders who need this data. Their revolutionary approach involves deploying autonomous robotic submarines equipped with advanced sensors capable of reaching depths of nearly 20,000 feet. This expansive range enables them to explore around 98% of the ocean's entirety.
The submarines use sophisticated sonar technologies and powerful navigation instruments, all of which contribute toward creating more detailed and comprehensive ocean maps. While the initial power source for these drones relies on crude oil tailings, future models seek to utilize hydrogen fuel cells, championing environmentally friendly practices.
Part and parcel of advancing knowledge of oceanic expanses is the hefty challenge of gathering accurate data. Wolfel shared insights on their mission to develop robots capable of operating autonomously. Currently, their subs still depend on human intervention for supervision. “One thing you learn very quickly is you can’t steer something that's not moving,” he explained, underscoring the importance of actively collecting data as the team enhances its technological capabilities.
But assembling the necessary investment to launch this innovative venture was no walk in the park. The initial days were fraught with difficulties, as many venture capitalists remained skeptical about the sector's viability. The tides began to change as discussions of American Dynamism became more prominent. This trend saw investors become more open to innovative hardware solutions, increasing interest and funding within the ocean exploration space.
At the heart of Terradepth's mission is their data platform, dubbed Absolute Ocean (AO). This powerful tool aims to make information accessible and actionable. “If I want a high-resolution data set, I put high-frequency sonic energy out there,” Wolfel said, painting a vivid picture of what AO entails. He envisions it similar to having automated vacuums – or Roombas – actively patrolling the floor of the ocean, gathering data and insights needed for informed decision-making.
Terradepth’s ambitious goal is to create networks of thousands of autonomous drones working tirelessly beneath the surface. Their data collection and analysis effort can not only provide invaluable insights but also help devise protection measures against environmental degradation and climate change.
The sheer magnitude of the underwater environment demonstrates how easily one can become lost under the surface. Today, only about 20% of the ocean floor has been completely mapped. This leaves 80% still shrouded in mystery. Terradepth is determined to digitize oceanic landscapes, aiming to lay the foundation for the next generation of ocean exploration.
Wolfel and Kauffman see their endeavor as part of something greater. With environmental awareness becoming more pressing, there’s clear potential for Terradepth’s contributions not only to marine safety but also to climate resilience initiatives. More than just creating maps, Terradepth’s effort could aid scientists and environmentalists working to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels and ocean acidification.
Echoing the ethos of their military background, the duo emphasizes responsibility alongside momentum – they believe effective leadership involves balancing inspiration with prudent judgment. “What I tell the team is always to stay humble enough to learn, but arrogant enough to execute,” Wolfel asserted. This framework appears to be integral to their innovative drive.
On the horizon, the operational ambitions for Terradepth are significant; they plan to escalate their robotic fleet dramatically, with 5,000 to 10,000 robots collaborating to create comprehensive datasets. This collective effort could provide invaluable insights on how environmental factors interact with the ever-changing underwater terrain.
The bridges built between advanced technology and humanity's quest for knowledge reflect the essence of what Terradepth stands for. It’s about pushing boundaries and finding solutions to questions we haven’t even thought to ask about our oceans.
With pressure to understand and protect our oceans, the work being done by Wolfel and Kauffman at Terradepth signals promise not just for science but for the future of oceanography. They’re creating maps of our oceans, leading us toward better management and preservation of our planet’s most precious resource. So next time you gaze out at the sea, think of the terrain beneath – and how there are those out there, carving paths of discovery and protection, just as they once did beneath the waves of military service.
