The university of texas at austin - new award project title: acoustic classification of polymetallic nodules on the deep ocean seabed DE-FOA-0003592 (rocks) control no. 3592-1560 improved knowledge of…

The Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded the University of Texas at Austin a $1.460 million cooperative agreement on July 31, 2026, under ARPA-E (CFDA 81.135) to develop acoustic sensing technologies for polymetallic nodule detection on the deep ocean seabed.

The project, titled "Acoustic Classification of Polymetallic Nodules on the Deep Ocean Seabed (ROCKS)," addresses the need for improved sonar systems to detect, localize, and classify polymetallic nodules on the seafloor. Work includes three primary deliverables: development of a sonar-equation-based model and design tool; measurement of acoustic properties across polymetallic nodule varieties; and design and testing of a lab-scale proof-of-concept system incorporating "Acoustic Sunrise," a hybrid sonar modality combining side-scan sonar, multi-beam sonar, and 2D seismic streamer array elements. If successful, the lab prototype will be adapted for at-sea testing with real polymetallic nodules.

Performance occurs in Austin County, Texas, with a period of performance extending from the award date through July 30, 2029. The University of Texas System is the parent entity of the recipient.

The university of texas at austin - new award project title: acoustic classification of polymetallic nodules on the deep ocean seabed DE-FOA-0003592 (rocks) control no. 3592-1560 improved knowledge of the acoustic properties of PMN is required to facilitate optimization of future sonar systems for the detection, localization and classification (DLC) capabilities needed to fully and safely exploit this resource. In this project we study the acoustics of this system, with a goal of greatly improving the acoustic remote sensing of PMN, including development of a new sonar modality, acoustic sunrise perfectly suited for this application, which is a hybrid system combining elements of side-scan sonar, multi-beam sonar and 2-dimensional seismic streamer arrays. To achieve this, a sonar-equation-based model and design tool (1) will be developed. The pertinent acoustic properties of a variety of PMN will be measured (2). The combination of (1) and (2) will allow for the design and optimization of the acoustic sunrise concept for any desired set of application input parameters and performance metrics, greatly increasing the speed and efficacy of acoustic DCL of seafloor PNM. A lab-scale proof-of-concept acoustic sunrise system will be designed and tested, which if successful, will be adapted for an at-sea test with real PMN on the ocean floor.