Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are self-propelled robotic devices controlled by an on-board computer. They are part of a group of unmanned underwater vehicles and have various designs and sizes. AUVs are used in military, commercial, and scientific sectors, and underwater gliders are a popular type.
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a self-propelled robotic device controlled and piloted by an on-board computer that is programmed prior to vehicle submersion. AUVs are part of a larger group of underwater craft called unmanned underwater vehicles, which also includes remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) controlled by a pilot on the surface via a leash or umbilical. The AUV is not only unmanned and untethered, but also controls its own movements in the water based on its programming and any of various measurements it constantly reads.
The first known autonomous underwater vehicle was developed at the University of Washington in 1957. In the 1970s, other institutions, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, began developing the technology. The growth of AUVs was initially limited due to a lack of other available technology, weak power supplies, and stunted processor capabilities.
There are many types and designs of AUVs. Sizes range from smaller, portable, and lightweight models to larger models that can be 32 feet (10 m) long. Larger AUVs tend to be much more popular in the commercial sector due to their substantial increase in range and endurance over smaller ones. However, a smaller autonomous underwater vehicle is significantly cheaper and is often the choice of the most budget-conscious universities and research institutions.
Most AUVs follow the traditional torpedo design. Other designs exist that allow operators to more easily change components and equipment. The torpedo shape, however, seems to allow for the greatest balance between all the desirable traits.
Underwater gliders, a type of autonomous underwater vehicle, have been developed and are widely used. The underwater glider is an ultra-low-power, long-distance AUV that is capable of staying at sea in the open ocean for months before returning. It will periodically transmit data to your controller via satellite. The underwater glider converts vertical movement to horizontal movement by slightly adjusting its buoyancy and wings. This allows the glider to stay at sea significantly longer than most AUVs, perhaps even months longer.
In general, there are usually three markets that use AUVs regularly. The military uses them for battle space preparation and mining countermeasures. In the commercial sector, oil and gas companies invest in AUVs for offshore scanning. In the scientific sector, universities and research institutes use AUVs for field tests and research.
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