With the rapid advancement of maritime wireless communication technology and the continued expansion of satellite network coverage, moored buoys are gradually transforming from traditional signaling platforms to intelligent ocean observation nodes capable of remote monitoring and data analysis.
Moored buoys have long been widely used for marine environmental monitoring, collecting data such as sea temperature, salinity, ocean currents, and weather conditions. However, traditional buoys typically rely on low-bandwidth satellite or shortwave communications, resulting in low data transmission rates, high latency, and high maintenance costs. Especially in remote waters, data collection from buoys often requires manual and periodic retrieval from storage devices, which is inefficient and carries the risk of data loss. Furthermore, the unique functionality of traditional buoys limits their application in complex marine environments, preventing them from meeting the needs of real-time multidimensional monitoring. In recent years, the rapid development of communication technologies such as 5G, satellite internet (such as Starlink), and low-power wide area networks (LPWAN) has facilitated the modernization of moored buoys. By integrating 5G modules or high-performance satellite communication equipment, new buoys can achieve stable, high-speed data transmission, uploading marine environmental data to cloud processing platforms in real time. At the same time, the low power consumption of LPWAN technology significantly extends the buoys' lifespan and reduces maintenance frequency.
For example, the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently developed a smart buoy system that integrates Beidou satellite communications and 5G technology. This system can transmit high-precision data in seconds, extending coverage from the shore to the deep sea. This technological advancement not only improves the efficiency of data transmission but also facilitates collaboration between buoys and coastal base stations, unmanned vessels, and drones, building a multidimensional ocean monitoring network. Advances in communication technology have not only improved data transmission capabilities but have also driven the transformation of moored buoys into comprehensive remote monitoring platforms. Modern smart buoys are no longer limited to a single data collection function. Instead, they integrate various sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and remote control modules, enabling environmental sensing, data analysis, and autonomous decision-making. For example, some new buoys are equipped with underwater sonars and optical sensors to monitor marine biological activity and geological changes on the seabed. By integrating AI algorithms, buoys can also perform real-time analysis of abnormal data and provide timely alerts for marine disasters. Advances in communications technology are driving the transformation of moored buoys from traditional ocean signaling tools to ocean observation platforms equipped with remote monitoring and intelligent analysis capabilities. The role of buoys is undergoing a fundamental transformation, from data collection to real-time transmission, and from floating devices to edge intelligence. As these technologies mature, they will play a broader and deeper role in environmental protection, waterway management, scientific research monitoring, and maritime safety.
