DEMO 4: ecoSUB Demonstration: smart network localisation
Inherent to ecoSUB AUVs small, low cost design is the limited ability to understand its position in the water column and navigate accurately, currently relying on dead reckoning. Planet Ocean, along with project partners the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and University of Newcastle (UoN) are currently engaged in an 18-month project to develop a Smart Network Positioning capability with artificial intelligence imbedded in the vehicles to enable them to react to their environment and adjust navigation accordingly. The conclusion of this project will demonstrate 10 ecoSUB AUVs operating together with low cost nanomodems, localising themselves with high levels of accuracy from a single unit surfacing and acquiring a GPS fix.
This demonstration will show progress towards the final project objective and will show shore launch and recovery of an ecoSUBm (2500m rated small AUV with target market price of <GBP20k) and ecoSUBµ (500m rated micro AUV with target market price of <GBP10k) localising within an LBL and completing lawnmower surveys. ecoSUB AUVs will be deployed together and will return to shore to transmit data for presentation and review by delegates.
The advancement of this approach towards localisation and enhanced navigation will greatly expand the functional use of affordable AUV technology and offer significant benefits to the science community.
Tutorial hands-on and demos are divided in three groups which will rotate together every hour:
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Group 1 Demo 3: Blueprint Subsea |
Group 2 T2 hands-on: Sparus II |
Group 3 Demo 4: ecoSUB |
| 16:30 – 17:30 | Group 2 Demo 3: Blueprint Subsea |
Group 3 T2 hands-on: Sparus II |
Group 1 Demo 4: ecoSUB |
| 17:30 – 18:30 | Group 3 Demo 3: Blueprint Subsea |
Group 1 T2 hands-on: Sparus II |
Group 2 Demo 4: ecoSUB |