Use of UIoT for Offshore Surveys Through Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

The ENDURUNS project is a European Research project of the Horizon 2020 framework, which has as its main objective to achieve the optimum and intelligent use of green hydrogen energy for long-term ocean surveys. The ENDURUNS system comprises an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with gliding capability. The power pack of the USV integrates Li-ion batteries with photovoltaic panels, whilst the AUV employs Li-ion batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell. It is essential to develop a continuous monitoring ca-pability for the different systems of the vehicles. Data transmission between the devices onboard presents challenges due to the volume and structure of the different datasets. A telecommunications network has been designed to manage the operational components considered in the project. The autonomous vehicles perform measurements, providing their position and other data wirelessly. The system will generate a great volume of various signals during the survey. The Remote Control Centre needs to be interfaced with the vehicles in order to receive, manage and store the acquired data. An Underwater Internet of Things (IoT) platform is designed to establish efficient and smart data management. This study presents an exhaustive survey to analyse the telecommunication systems employed in the autonomous vehicles, including the back-end, user interface and mobile units. This paper presents the novel design of the hardware and software structure of the ENDURUNS project with regard to the literature, where its components and their in-terconnection layers are detailed, which is a novel scientific and technological approach for autonomous seabed surveying in deep oceans or in coastal areas.

Advancing fishery-independent stock assessments for the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) with new monitoring technologies

“…Additionally, AUVs can be equipped with Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) systems or acoustic cameras that complement classical optical vision systems, without being affected by poor water visibility and without affecting species by not requiring optical illumination (Figure 6). Within the ENDURUNS system, a hybrid AUV (capable to navigate either with propellers or as a sea glider) periodically reaches the sea surface and transfers the acquired data to the USV through its WiFi communication system (Sanchez et al, 2021). Thereafter, the USV can autonomously process the data onboard for selecting relevant content-based information to transmit via satellite to a land-station for validation by experts.…”

Metal–air batteries for powering robots

“…However, due to the instability of solar energy, battery capacity limitations, and diverse loads, a battery charging/discharge system was introduced as a power source solution. Sanchez et al 182 designed an ENDURUNS system consisting of a USV and an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The power system of USV integrated LIBs and solar cells, while AUV used LIBs and hydrogen fuel cells.…”

Artificial Intelligence in Marine Science and Engineering

“…Submarine inspections and surveys require underwater vehicles to operate in deep waters efficiently, safely and reliably [13]. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles employing advanced navigation and control systems present several advantages [14]. Robust control algorithms and novel improvements in positioning and navigation are needed to optimize underwater operations [15].…”