Remotely Operated Vehicles and Autonomous Surface Vehicles in Auv Operations

Transferring data between the ocean surface and an operating Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a difficult and slow process. Current methods of un-tethered submersible communication have either a very limited data transfer rate or a prohibitively short range. In this paper, students of the University of Florida propose a new data transfer method that will supply the high data rates of a tethered system yet still maintain the advantages of a fully autonomous submersible. This paper reports the process of designing, testing, and proving this new approach. This method will improve communication between AUVs and the operator and enhance AUV operational efficiency and safety. This approach uses an AUV paired with an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) that carries a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). During operation, the ROV is launched from the ASV. The ROV dives to the approximate operating depth of the AUV. Once the ROV is at depth, the AUV is acoustically summoned on an asneeded basis or based on a predefined schedule. When the transducer from the ROV begins transmitting, the AUV acquires the acoustic signal. Once in visual range, visual indicators on the ROV guide the AUV towards the docking mechanism on the ROV. When docked, the AUV transfers data to the ROV. That data is then sent to the ASV through the tether. The data on the ASV is stored onboard or transmitted to the user through wireless or satellite communications. Once the ASV data transfer is complete, the AUV is released from the ROV to continue its normal operation.