The Shiyan 1 scientific research vessel has set sail for its fourth journey to the Indian Ocean, where it will conduct a two-month expedition. The South China Sea Research Institute under the CAS said Saturday that more than 40 researchers from a dozen Chinese research institutes will carry out research pertaining to marine hydrology, ocean currents, meteorology and biological studies in the Indian Ocean.

As a new type of underwater robot, the underwater glider provides an ideal and effective ocean environment observation platform. It combines floating, mooring and underwater robotics technology. Driven by buoyancy force, its operation range can reach several hundred to several thousand kilometers, and can work for several months continuously.