A Scottish consortium has been given £560,000 in funding by the Department of Trade and Industry to research newly developed wireless underwater communication technology for divers. Researchers say the radio system would work in the same way as a wireless modem to transmit data to and from unmanned machinery and allow commercial divers to talk underwater without the need for wire connection to the surface.
Wireless Fibre Systems, will lead a £1.1 million, two-year research project consortium with other Scottish firms Tritech International and Insensys, to develop the technology.
'Over the next two years we will develop and launch a number of disruptive subsea RF products that will enhance communications, control, networking and safety,' said Brendan Hyland, chairman of lead partner Wireless Fibre Systems. 'Previously wireless communications have relied on acoustic techniques which are slow, affected by outside noise and cannot penetrate the water or air. This technology makes data transfer and communications clearer and quicker.'
The consortium plans to develop five wireless subsea products to be used in bespoke systems.
'This is cutting edge technology and that's why we're backing it,' said secretary of state for trade and industry Alistair Darling. 'We know that innovation and technology will be the key ways for Britain to maintain its place as a world leading economy.'
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