Autonomous underwater vehicle

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a robot that moves underwater without someone needing to control it all the time. These special machines can travel through the ocean by themselves, following paths set before they start or making choices based on what they sense.

AUVs are part of a bigger group called unmanned underwater vehicles. This group also includes remotely operated underwater vehicles, which are controlled from a ship or boat by a person using wires or signals. In some military uses, AUVs are called unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs).

There are different kinds of AUVs, including special ones called underwater gliders. These gliders move up and down through the water like birds flying, using changes in water to travel far.

History

The first autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was made at the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington in 1957. It was called the "Self-Propelled Underwater Research Vehicle," or SPURV. It was used to study how things spread in water and how sound travels underwater.

Other early AUVs were made at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the 1970s. One of these is shown in the Hart Nautical Gallery at MIT. AUVs were also built in the Soviet Union, but this was not known until later.

Applications

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are used to explore and study the ocean. They are cheaper than vehicles that need people inside. Scientists use AUVs to collect data about the ocean and coastlines.

Companies use AUVs to map the seafloor before building things like underwater pipelines. This helps them choose the best spots and reduces harm to nature. AUVs can also check these pipelines after they are built.

Scientists attach different tools to AUVs to measure water temperature, salt levels, and tiny plants and animals. Some AUVs help protect coral reefs by removing harmful starfish.

People also build AUVs for fun, and there are competitions where these homemade AUVs complete tasks. These hobby AUVs often don’t go very deep or last very long, but they can still be fun to make and race.

AUVs have helped find pieces of lost airplanes, such as parts from Air France Flight 447 and Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

In the military, AUVs can watch ships, clear mines, or deliver supplies. The U.S. Navy has different types of AUVs for different tasks. They have ordered new combat-ready AUVs called Orca.

Vehicle designs

Many different autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have been made in the last 50 years. About 10 companies sell AUVs around the world, such as Kongsberg Maritime, Bluefin Robotics, and Atlas Elektronik.

These vehicles come in many sizes, from small ones a person can carry to very large ones over 10 meters long. Bigger vehicles can stay underwater longer and carry more equipment, while smaller ones are easier to move and launch. Most AUVs are shaped like torpedoes, which helps them move smoothly through the water. Some newer designs look more like shapes found in nature for better performance.

Sensors

AUVs carry tools to help them move on their own and map the ocean. These include compasses, depth sensors, sidescan and other sonars, and tools to measure things like temperature and saltiness.

Navigation

Since radio signals don’t work well underwater, AUVs use other ways to find their way. They can use sound signals from underwater markers or a ship above to know where they are. They also have special tools inside that help them keep track of their movement and position.

Propulsion

AUVs move using different methods. Many have electric motors with propellers to push them through the water. Others change how heavy or light they are to glide up and down, which moves them forward.

Communications

Because radio waves don’t travel far underwater, many AUVs use sound to talk to people far away. There are also new ways being tested to help them send and receive messages.

Power

Most AUVs run on special rechargeable batteries. Some use one-time batteries that last longer but cost more. Scientists are also trying out new ways to give AUVs power.