Cambridge Hydronautics - Bringing Intelligence to Underwater Autonomy

This project aims to apply the state of the art in robotics and automation to new markets in the
subsea industry. Tasks ranging from inspection to manipulation have previously been
performed by divers or remotely operated vehicles, but could now feasibly be performed
without persistent human oversight by Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
The central innovation of the project is to apply well-developed technology to a new domain,
where it has the potential to drive a step-change in the way that economic benefit is derived
from underwater and marine environments. There is potential to reduce the danger, expense,
and even the environmental impact of operating in this environment, by applying smarter
technology that already exists.
At this proof-of-market stage, the objectives are:
* Validate that there is a place for autonomous robotic technology in the marine
sectors that we will examine.
* Document the competitive landscape, including the alternatives to using
autonomous robots in the target markets.
* Validate the fundamental economics, and that autonomous robots can deliver
sufficient capability, cost, time, safety and environmental benefits.