We mentioned these ocean-heat-powered water gliders quite some time ago, and it seems they’ve become more popular in the mean time. These unmanned aquatic vehicles have proven to be a very efficient way of mapping and monitoring the oceans, and new types are being created by oceanographers to investigate this or that quantity or location.

I saw one in motion on the BBC series Oceans, and it looked very natural in the water; I can see why researchers like them. And somehow I doubt many get attacked by sharks — although giant squid might take one down just for kicks, the slimy bastards.