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42 U UVs have long been subject to a greater push towards autonomy than unmanned systems in the air, on land and on the water’s surface, owing to the inability to operate them remotely using RF links. Limitations on subsea vehicles thus tend to revolve around issues such as their stability, navigational drift and their ability to endure pressures at depth. Now though, with interest in oceanography and marine assets growing faster than ever, UUV manufacturers and operators are taking the vehicles towards new capabilities. Improved engineering and electronics are enabling scientific discoveries, rescue and recovery operations, and other key missions that were previously unfeasible. Scientific research A new UUV from EvoLogics that uses a biomimetic control system is helping with geological and hydrological research. Nicknamed Poggy, it was developed as part of the Bonus Seamount project to study submarine groundwater discharges (SGDs) and seabed integrity in the Baltic, particularly to understand the morphological and geological characteristics that accompany SGDs. It will be used to continuously monitor and measure fluctuations in nutrients and pollutants, to determine their impact on the Baltic as well as the influence of human activity. Poggy’s propulsion is provided by two subsea thrusters developed in-house, while their control comes from a pair of mechatronic fins which the company dubs its Fin-Ray technology. “It’s based on the same structure inside the tails of ray-type fish, which enables the technology to bend progressively against Rory Jackson looks at how technology advances are providing unmanned underwater vehicles with greater capabilities Coming about February/March 2020 | Unmanned Systems Technology