Acoustic Communication Networks for Distributed Autonomous Underwater Platforms

Key components of future ocean observation systems will include sensor technology, vehicular technology and communications technology. In this project, researchers are focusing on demonstrating a mobile acoustic underwater network that integrates acoustic links into an autonomous multiple-vehicle communication network. Integrated networks of instruments, sensors, robots and vehicles will operate together in a variety of underwater environments, with applications including environmental monitoring (for climate recording, pollution control); collection of scientific data (oceanography, geophysics, chemistry, marine biology, deep-sea archaeology); and efficient search and survey (for detection of objects, ocean bottom imaging and mapping by fleets of cooperating autonomous mobile platforms).