Advanced in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: Design and Performance Perspective

An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a self-powered underwater information gathering system controlled by on board computer. An AUV has been designed basically to complete three tasks namely oceanographic sampling, exploration, and observation. Oceanographic instrumentation can be used for sampling and data collection in particular location under a specified depth. In current scenario when global warming has become a challenging task for our environment which will result in rising water level also, we can utilize autonomous underwater vehicle as most suitable tool for conduction of surveys concerning these global environmental problems. Future ocean sampling and surveillance systems should be capable of global deployment, sustained presence, three dimensional adaptive aperture, real time control and robust performance. These requirements can be met affordably by a network of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).Thus for the precision exploration we need more advanced and affordable vehicle. One of the most important components of an AUV is a sensor used for measuring different parameters in air and marine environment. Currently researchers need small, cheaper, efficient underwater sensors which can perform also in rough sea condition. Priced appropriately, and readily available with defined physical and software interfaces, these components open the door to the development of a low-R&D, simplified vehicle. Hydrodynamic properties and propulsion efficiency should be enhanced in order to improve the performance of the vehicle. Application of solar energy and variable buoyancy concept is to be utilized to improve the endurance of the vehicle. The autonomy of an AUV is to be modified in order to optimize efficiency. Biomimetics (bio inspired AUVs) are better performing, more efficient and have large potential scope of developing more advance AUVs.