# 363: Squishy Nature

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2021-02-26
- Length: 1h 02m
- Episode: 363
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/363

## Summary

Alana Sherman, an electrical engineer and project manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), discusses engineering instruments for deep-sea environments, including the DeepPIV system for studying larvaceans and the autonomous Benthic Rover. She details the challenges of designing electronics for high-pressure, cold-water conditions, such as pressure-tolerant vs. one-atmosphere housings and component failures like sticky motors. The conversation covers the Rover's long-term deployment, its use of acoustic ranging via Wave Gliders, and the specific mechanical and embedded system decisions required for reliable operation on the seafloor.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature#t=7) Introduction: Alana Sherman and MBARI
- [4:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature#t=273) Larvaceans and the DeepPIV Instrument
- [13:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature#t=819) Engineering for High Pressure and Cold
- [24:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature#t=1498) The Benthic Rover Design and Deployment
- [45:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature#t=2711) Embedded Systems: Wakey Board and Power Management
- [48:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature#t=2890) Acoustic Navigation and Recovery

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- MBARI (company)
- DeepPIV (product)
- Benthic Rover (product)
- Wave Glider (product)
- McLane (company)
- Scripps (company)
- Iridium (other)
- Argos (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 59: Robots at sea - Ffion Llewellyn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-10-27-episode-59-robots-at-sea-ffion-llewellyn) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 151: Robots to study the ocean - Simona Aracri](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-10-episode-151-robots-to-study-the-ocean-simona-aracri) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Forty-Five: Francesco Giorgio-Serchi](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-04-21-episode-forty-five-francesco-giorgio-serchi) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Twenty-One: Sean Katagiri](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-10-14-episode-twenty-one-sean-katagiri) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 99: Robots mapping the deep ocean - Joe Wolfel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-22-episode-99-robots-mapping-the-deep-ocean-joe-wolfel) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-26-363-squishy-nature. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.