Development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)with Underwater Docking and Recharging System

Abstract

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is an underwater robot which executes the given instructions without operator's operation and judgment. Therefore, it is necessary to equip all the instruments including the source of electric power in the pressure vessel. So, generally AUV receives severe restriction in the action time and the action range. As solution of this problem, we chose the method that an AUV dock to an underwater station and charge its battery. And we developed the AUV "MARINE BIRD" which realizes it. This paper describes the feature and main functions of "MARINE BIRD", and the result of the sea trial .