In recent years, considerable underwater robotics research has focused on manipulating sophisticated systems for inspecting and maintaining underwater structures, which can include cluttered and complex areas such as narrow clear spaces. These robots may be used for feature and cable tracking, deep-ocean exploration, and to carry out tasks in environments full of coral reefs (Zhang et al. 2004;...

Mechanisms of salt and water conservation, and nitrogen excretion, were investigated in the freshwater amphibious crab Potamonautes warreni from the High Veld of South Africa. Adaptations to fresh water were assessed as pre-adaptations to air-breathing, and nitrogen excretion was examined as a potential constraint to terrestrial excursions. P. warreni was able to regulate water and salt loss in...

This paper describes the design and deployment of a transportable test bed for a short pulse optical augmentation (OA) system to detect optical directors of potential threats in amphibious operations. The use of a short pulse duration allows discrimination of retroreflections from natural sources such as rock formations and vegetation. The test bed has been fielded in experiments on ground rang...