Robots attempt record breaking Pacific Ocean voyage Four robots
have set out on an epic 3,300 nautical mile (3,111 km) journey
across the Pacific Ocean. Created by US firm Liquid Robotics,
the four are aiming to set the record for the longest distance
at sea travelled by an unmanned craft. Throughout their journey
the robots will gather lots of data about the composition and
quality of sea water. The journey is expected to take about 300
days, and is designed to inspire researchers to study ocean
health. The robots were launched from the St Francis Yacht Club
on the edge of San Francisco harbour on 17 November. Initially
the four will travel as a flotilla to Hawaii and then will split
into two pairs. One will go on to Australia and the other will
head to Japan to support a dive on the Mariana Trench - the
deepest part of the ocean. The robots manage to move thanks to
interaction between the two halves of the autonomous vehicle.
The upper half of the wave-riding robot is shaped like a stunted
surfboard and it