Autonomous robots are transforming the way humans explore and understand the oceans. James Bellingham, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of exploration robotics and executive director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy, brings together decades of his groundbreaking work leading expeditions from the Arctic to the Antarctic in his new book, How Are Marine Robots Shaping Our Future?, published by the JHU Press.

According to Bellingham, while most of the world’s oceans remain largely unexplored, we are entering a new era of exploration and discovery, powered the growing maturity of underwater robots.  These systems are capable of withstanding crushing pressures, extreme water temperatures, and operating in complete darkness, all while collecting vital data about climate, offshore infrastructure, shipwreck explorations, and more.

The book also addresses broader issues related to the nature of exploration robotics, a field that combines scientific discovery, advanced technology, and extreme environments to expand our understanding of how machines are transforming how humans interact with their surroundings. Bellingham also explains how technologies used in Earth’s oceans will enable future exploration of other ocean worlds, from Jupiter’s moon Europa to Saturn’s moon Enceladus, raising profound questions about the impact technology will have on industries and on maritime exploration.

How Are Marine Robots Shaping Our Future? is a part of the Johns Hopkins Wavelengths book series that brings readers stories from experts across a range of industries and is designed to encourage conversations that expand people’s minds.