iPad Waterproofed for Naval Ocean Optics Experiment
4/12/2012
Navy researchers drop an iPad attached to a custom-built frame called the "image Measurement Assembly for Subsurface Turbulence, or iMAST" into the ocean near the Bahamas to perform an experiment in ocean optics. (Source: Naval Research Lab)
As an engineering person, I say Yay, using an everyday item which seems to have the flexibility to be used in such an unusual context, - that is what I do for a living, and that is what we all need to do.
In regards ervin, have you really read this article? you cite phones, but it was a tablet, don't let your misplaced loyalty to Bill Gates or "how we always do things" interfere with your problem solving abilities.
Interesting use. Try one of the Android phones its cheaper.... Im sure a dozen other handheld phones can do the same.... some smart phones you can even strap to your wrist and pay less. ohh and i dont think you pay for android so yes you can install it in a System-On-Chip and build what ever custom device you want???
Its ok we know all the Apple Zealots are out there promoting iPad... i still say free software is better.... And hardware that can run on free software is even better :)
Great, Navy. I think NASA would have launch several careers and employed a number of research universities - in any event, they would have found a solution.
Being a Navy man, I can assure you the Navy WILL find a way. It would be interesting to see a depth ruggedized version for research and/or SEAL team use. Way to go FAU and Harbor Branch!
Once again, we see the advantages of pervasiveness. The story notes that the advantage of the iPad was its ability to support custom applications. Also, "other options were too expensive or would take too long to deliver." The lesson is that success breeds success.
I'm with you Beth. Much like the experimentalists that hacked Microsoft's Kinect integrated sensor bar and brought them kicking and screaming toward their new product Kinect for Windows, innovators will continue to use what they have on hand to accomplish their tasks. If a $499 iPAD does the trick, I say hooray. Place it in the toolbox along side the duct tape, paperclips, and famous multi-thousand dollar hammers... =]
Definitely one of the more out-there uses of the iPad that I've seen to date. Not sure a ruggedized or military version of the iPad is in keeping with Apple's aesthetic design sensibilities, but I suppose there are plenty of groups like this Naval team that will do whatever it takes to retrofit what they see as the right tool for the project at hand.
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