To prepare for deep sea research expeditions, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) are testing a number of robot submarines in Scotland’s Loch Ness.

Sent into the water from Drumnadrochit situated just west of the loch, these submarines host sensors which are designed to pinpoint marine life near the vicinity of icebergs according to an article on BBC News.

Researchers have chosen Loch Ness as the site for these tests as it is cheaper, greener, and an easier location to recover a lost submarine should one go awry.

A selection of the submarines, which include one named Boaty McBoatface as a tribute to a famous poll in 2016 where the public were asked to choose a name for a new £200m polar research ship, are operated from the NOC’s office in Southampton, England.

”The trials in Loch Ness will ensure that UK researchers have access to cutting-edge technologies that enable world-leading science, whilst lowering the cost and reducing the environmental impact of missions by removing the need of a supporting research ship,” said Dr Kristian Thaller of the NOC.