Futureproof: Autonomous Undersea Resource Explorer
Future Narrative
Thanks to our new fleet of autonomous undersea resource explorers, we’ve found ten times more lithium and other rare minerals for use in electric vehicles. We’ve analyzed far more ocean floor per week than we ever could using the old system. It is impressive how well the 20 units follow a detailed grid search pattern. At this rate, we will have paid for the entire system within two years and helped migrate away from fossil fuel-burning engines.
Technology
Autonomous grid-following technology made possible by consumer-grade ultra-low frequency GPS broadcasting.
Solid aluminum fuel combines with filtered seawater to produce hydrogen for the system’s fuel cell.
Implications
New fuels can provide remote, autonomous systems with long-lasting power to ensure reliable operation.
Largely unexplored seabeds will yield more precious metals and minerals needed to meet the needs of new industries in the coming decades.
Early Signals of Possibility
Learn more about aluminum as a possible fuel cell fuel via this MIT news article.
Wired article on the potential and dangers of deep-sea mining. www.wired.com/story/deep-sea-mining-electric-vehicle-battery/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.