Autonomous Marine Robots Assisting Divers

Research related to diver safety, navigation and monitoring has been identified as crucial for advancing diving activities. These issues are usually dealt with by pairing up divers and adopting well defined rules for diving operations to reduce the chance of accidents. However, during more challenging dives (such as technical dives) these procedures may not be sufficient to ensure almost accident-free operations, for the divers must manoeuvre in complex 3D environments, carry cumbersome equipment, and focus attention on operational details. In this work it is stated that research and technological development in the area of cognitive robotics can significantly contribute to the effectiveness and safety of diving operations. The current research performed in LABUST is based on an autonomous surface platform for following divers and transmitting GPS signal to the underwater. Future envisioned applications include the development of a cognitive autonomous diving buddy consisting of both the surface platform and an underwater vehicle that will serve as diving ”guide”, ”slave” and ”observer”.