MITRE officially opened the new BlueTech Lab at its Bedford, Mass. campus, supporting MITRE’s expanding marine technology work to safeguard national, economic, and climate security.
The lab features a 620,000-gallon test tank, one of the largest in the region, and at 106 feet, the longest. The test tank can accommodate the use of uncrewed undersea and surface vehicles in a large, controlled space and enables the study of communication and acoustic sensing.
The lab is the axis of MITRE’s quickly growing BlueTech work across national security, climate, and environmental challenges facing the nation. The lab is available to researchers from academia, government, and industry for regional and national collaboration.
MITRE’s BlueTech work focuses on research and development, testing, rapid prototyping, and workforce development in acoustic sensing and communications, uncrewed underwater vehicles, maritime autonomy, and climate science.
The company recently launched BlueNERVE, a secure network to provide government, academic, industry, and not-for-profit users access to real-time insights and collaboration. The BlueTech Lab is the center of the BlueNERVE network.
“Our oceans and the vast resources they provide are under threat. We need the best and brightest to confront the existential challenges—from climate change to illegal overfishing—faced by the world’s oceans and marine life,” said U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-6). “With this new facility, MITRE is doing just that: cutting-edge research that will ensure a more sustainable and secure future for our oceans.”
“Understanding what is happening—and what will happen—in our oceans is critical to the future of our national, economic, and climate security,” said Douglas Robbins, Vice President, MITRE Labs. “This facility is a national resource for maritime research, supporting broad impact through technological innovation and collaboration with government, industry, and academia.”
Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administrator, said; “I am pleased to be here with Congressman Moulton to cut the ribbon at this grand opening of the MITRE BlueTech Lab. NOAA and MITRE work together on a broad range of ocean issues.
“Through partnerships like this, we are building the pathways to maximize government and private sector investments and their long-term benefits, while continually engaging with all levels of decision makers, from academia to entrepreneurs and startups to large businesses.”
