Enabling low cost AUV technology: Development of smart networks & AI based navigation for dynamic underwater environments
Lead Participant:
PLANET OCEAN LIMITED
Abstract
"Small, low cost Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are providing a step-change in the accessibility, adoption and use of autonomous systems in the harsh and challenging marine environment.
ecoSUB AUVs have been developed in collaboration between Planet Ocean and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and provide users with low cost, small, easy to operate, launch and recover, AUV platforms with up to 2,500m depth rating and long range/endurance capability. Applications for these vehicles are extensive, however, they have inherent limitations related to their size and design price point, as such, they are unable to rely on incumbent technologies for navigation, such as expensive Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), large Doppler Velocity Logs (DVLs) and traditional Long Baseline positioning (LBL), and due to their small size, low power/long range capability have limited resistance to tides and currents and the navigational challenge they present.
This project seeks to develop an end-user requirements led innovative solution enabling accurate underwater positioning and smart AI for navigating in dynamic environments, it translates fundamental research in underwater positioning and delivers a Smart Network Positioning system for fleets of AUVs and an enhanced AI pilot feature. Innovative acoustic nano-modem technology developed within Newcastle University's ComS2IP group is an integral component in delivering success in this project.
The project outputs will be tested in an offshore oil and gas environment, kindly provided by our end-user partner, BP International, who have provided extensive support to the ecoSUB AUV product development since 2015 and look forward to embedding this technology into their operations.
The project team have a successful history of collaboration; Planet Ocean and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have previously completed a successful Innovate UK / Dstl project, and developed the ecoSUB AUV technology in partnership. Newcastle University have been well engaged with both Planet Ocean and NOC in the development of their nano-underwater modem technology and other systems previously commercialised under IP licencing arrangements."
ecoSUB AUVs have been developed in collaboration between Planet Ocean and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and provide users with low cost, small, easy to operate, launch and recover, AUV platforms with up to 2,500m depth rating and long range/endurance capability. Applications for these vehicles are extensive, however, they have inherent limitations related to their size and design price point, as such, they are unable to rely on incumbent technologies for navigation, such as expensive Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), large Doppler Velocity Logs (DVLs) and traditional Long Baseline positioning (LBL), and due to their small size, low power/long range capability have limited resistance to tides and currents and the navigational challenge they present.
This project seeks to develop an end-user requirements led innovative solution enabling accurate underwater positioning and smart AI for navigating in dynamic environments, it translates fundamental research in underwater positioning and delivers a Smart Network Positioning system for fleets of AUVs and an enhanced AI pilot feature. Innovative acoustic nano-modem technology developed within Newcastle University's ComS2IP group is an integral component in delivering success in this project.
The project outputs will be tested in an offshore oil and gas environment, kindly provided by our end-user partner, BP International, who have provided extensive support to the ecoSUB AUV product development since 2015 and look forward to embedding this technology into their operations.
The project team have a successful history of collaboration; Planet Ocean and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have previously completed a successful Innovate UK / Dstl project, and developed the ecoSUB AUV technology in partnership. Newcastle University have been well engaged with both Planet Ocean and NOC in the development of their nano-underwater modem technology and other systems previously commercialised under IP licencing arrangements."
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| PLANET OCEAN LIMITED | £568,966 | £ 398,276 |
Participant |
||
| NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE | £144,111 | £ 144,111 |
| NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE | ||
| RICARDO-AEA LIMITED | ||
| NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY | ||
| UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE | ||
| NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY | £60,202 | £ 60,202 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Alan Gould (Project Manager) |