Design and Development of Autonomous and Unmanned Vehicles for Submarine Applications

Abstract

AUVs are robotic submarines that are a part of the emerging field of autonomous and unmanned vehicles. This project shows the design implementation of an AUV as a miniature size and its test bed platform for a variety of research in underwater technologies especially involving small-scale, surface water, and low-cost underwater robots. The general design and its consideration are well discussed in this chapter. The AUV prototype has been developed by SolidWorks. It will have a fixed mechanical system and body, having a modular electronic system that allows the development of various controllers. The controller and motors have been tested in small-scale surface water, and the result is encouraging. Some factors affecting AUV performance are also elaborated for future research in this area. Underwater robots can explore areas of the ocean that are too dangerous or too difficult for humans to go.