Explore a simulated deep ocean trench as you pilot an underwater robotic drone
July 1, 2022—Johnson City, TX—Explore a world seven miles underwater with Deep Sea Robotics, the Science Mill’s newest exhibit. Guests can guide an underwater robotic drone over and around the jagged rocks of a deep ocean trench using a dual-toggle controller. A monitor shows the drone’s point of view; guests can adjust its camera to peer inside a bubbling hot-spring vent and other surprising features. The richly detailed terrain is modeled on the Mariana Trench and Challenger Deep, the ocean’s deepest spot—even deeper than Mount Everest is tall!
Featuring a 6,000-gallon indoor pool, this ambitious exhibit was designed entirely by the Science Mill’s in-house team. “It’s a hands-on, high-tech installation, on par with what you might find at a major national museum but right here in the Hill Country,” says Science Mill CEO Peter Claffey. “We’re excited to share this one-of-a-kind experience with our visitors.” The team was inspired by cutting-edge drone technology and deep ocean exploration, where researchers must contend with crushing water pressure and inky darkness. “The fact that more people have visited the moon than have been to the deepest ocean sparked our curiosity,” explains Bradley Gray, Museum Experience Manager. “We wanted to share that sense of wonder with visitors and explore how drones can help us access extreme environments where humans can’t go.”
As with all Science Mill experiences, Deep Sea Robotics highlights careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). “When kids pilot the drone, they’re trying out an in-demand STEM career,” says Jeff Wheatcraft, Director of STEM Education Growth. “Underwater drones will soon be used to inspect dams, ships and offshore oil rigs, make underwater repairs, and help keep submarines safe from mines.”
Deep Sea Robotics is open now and included with general admission to the Science Mill. It will also be the spotlight exhibit during Shark Week at the Science Mill (Tuesday, July 26 through Sunday, July 31), where guests can experience the dissection of a real dogfish shark, hunt for shark teeth to take home, learn about underwater shark photography and enjoy other shark-themed activities. To reserve tickets, visit http://sciencemill.org.
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About the Science Mill
The Science Mill is a year-round family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for visitors of all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games and programs, the Science Mill expands students’ understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on a path to pursue a career in STEM. Housed in a historic 1880s mill, the Science Mill is located at 101 S. Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City, Texas. Learn more at http://sciencemill.org.