AI Enables a New Underwater Drone to Perform Complex Tasks

AI Enables a New Underwater Drone to Perform Complex Tasks

The drone revolution underwater. Hydrus, Photo by Advanced Navigation
The drone revolution underwater. Hydrus, Photo by Advanced Navigation

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Smaller and more convenient models have driven down the cost of unmanned aerial vehicles and have made it possible to use technology in ways that were previously inaccessible. There is currently a robot that aims to spread this message underwater as well, making unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV’s, or underwater drones) more accessible than ever.

Hydrus is a compact autonomous underwater robot that is equipped with advanced sonar and navigation capabilities. It allows for 3D missions to be planned in minutes, without special training, and is equipped with acoustic communication functions that allow operators to monitor tasks in real time while on the move and make adjustments as needed. Small enough to be operated by one person, it does not require any staff in the water. Using a computer, data can be wirelessly retrieved once the task is completed.

Advanced Navigation’s new robot has a tiny camera that can collect data underwater, allowing it to be used for a variety of applications that require high-resolution images or video, as well as precise mapping capabilities with precise geolocation. With artificial intelligence, camera and lighting settings can be dynamically balanced, and distortions can be corrected in complex situations. Moreover, Hydros is able to maneuver in water and avoid obstacles using artificial intelligence. Basically, the robot serves as a full measurement team, so no additional underwater UAVs or humans are needed.

INA, DVL, USBL, and various acoustic and optical modems combine to form one completely airtight drone that can last a little more than three hours, travel a distance of nine kilometers, reach a top speed of four knots, and go to a depth of 3,000 meters, according to roboticsandautomationnews.com.