Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: Trends and Transformations

TLDR

Inter‑agency cooperation is driving the evolution of individual AUVs into cost‑efficient, networked systems, with economies of scale, competitive manufacturing, and open standards expected to boost productivity and efficiency. The goal is to design an affordable, deployable network‑class AUV that satisfies size and cost constraints not required for solo vehicles. The authors outline a design framework that classifies vehicle types by ocean layer, specifies platform, navigation, and control subsystems, proposes autonomous control with collision avoidance, and reviews maritime navigation laws and interface standards.

Abstract

Three examples of inter-agency cooperation utilizing current generation, individual Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are described consistent with recent recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The first steps in transforming individual AUVs into adaptive, networked systems are underway. To realize an affordable and deployable system, a network-class AUV must be designed with cost–size constraints not necessarily applied in developing solo AUVs. Vehicle types are suggested based on function and ocean operating regime: surface layer, interior and bottom layer. Implications for platform, navigation and control subsystems are explored and practical formulations for autonomy and intelligence are postulated for comparing performance and judging behavior. Laws and conventions governing intelligent maritime navigation are reviewed and an autonomous controller with conventional collision avoidance behavior is described. Network-class cost constraints can be achieved through economies of scale. Productivity and efficiency in AUV manufacturing will increase if constructive competition is maintained. Constructive strategies include interface and operating standards. Professional societies and industry trade groups have a leadership role to play in establishing public, open standards.