Mitre has recently established a new laboratory at its Bedford, Massachusetts campus with the intention of advancing marine technologies that can contribute to national security, climate protection, and economic stability.
The Blue Tech Lab boasts a 620,000-gallon test tank that has been specifically designed to support studies on communication and acoustic sensing, as well as the use of unmanned surface and undersea vehicles. The laboratory was opened by Mitre on Monday and is expected to be instrumental in advancing research and development initiatives in the areas of maritime autonomy, uncrewed underwater vehicles, climate science, and acoustic sensing and communications.
The lab’s purpose is to facilitate collaboration between government, industry, and academic researchers, enabling them to work together on projects involving rapid prototyping, research and development, and testing. According to Douglas Robbins, the vice president at Mitre Labs, the facility will serve as a national resource for maritime research, generating technological innovation and promoting collaboration between different key players.
The Blue Tech Lab will also act as the cornerstone of Mitre’s BlueNERVE network, granting research organizations access to maritime data and testing resources that will drive innovation and discoveries in this field. The facility’s opening ceremony was attended by Richard Spinrad, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Rep. Seth Moulton, R-Mass.