Market Prospects for AUVs

Abstract

Potential change in many facets of underwater operations through the use of untethered autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is examined. Unlike remote controlled vehicles (ROVs), AUVs are truly preprogrammed adaptive robots with cost effective potential in applications ranging from below ice ocean observation to military operations to offshore oil and gas industry deepwater surveys. Unconstrained and autonomous, more than 400 true AUVs have been constructed to date, as well as other units capable of operating as either AUVs or ROVs. Although research and development of AUVs have been in place for more than five decades, there is currently renewed interest due to a change in market drivers. The authors discuss the current AUV market and implications for military operations, ocean monitoring, inspection, hydrographic survey, and the oil and gas industries. AUV acceptance, currently gained in a number of key tasks where cost effectiveness has been shown, is expected to increase, with acceptance drivers expected to be strengthened.