The next generation of underwater drones for survey, inspection and mapping
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) are designed for the investigation of underwater environments without a permanent control from a human operator. Working with AUVs requires a preliminary mission planning and loading of the planned survey in the memory of the on-board computer. After launching, the AUV travels on the pre-established track and depth using the positioning systems (inertial and satellite), water current velocity corrections and bottom-tracking (with the help of DVL – Doppler Velocity Log), constantly recording the parameters specific to the equipped sensors. The information is recorded in the internal memory and downloaded after the end of the mission and the recovery of the vehicle. The AUVs transmit periodically mission status messages via IRIDIUM and/or underwater acoustic modems.
AUVs can be launched and recovered from shore, jetties, small vessels, providing versatility in use on a wide range of applications.
What are the advantages of AUVs?
- Providing higher resolution seafloor mapping data than can be achieved from surface vessels
- Continuous monitoring of the mission and position of the AUV
- Maximum efficiency in particularly in deep water
- Offer a very stable, low-noise platform, maintaining a consistent altitude above the seafloor
- Quick and continuous recording of multiple parameters types
- Operation at depth that may be inaccessible by traditional methods
- Reduces distortion caused by “fish” motion
- Ability to create a preset path before launching
- Environmental friendly by using electric engines
- Can be used in protected or remote areas
- Can be used in drinking water basins without polluting
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