Researchers in Florida have developed a hybrid system that combines uncrewed underwater, sea and air vehicles to monitor ice in the Arctic, writes Nick Flaherty. Direct observation of the ice is challenging as satellite sensors have a coarse spatial resolution and cannot detect the fine fractal structures. Deploying crewed ships to the area is also difficult due to extreme weather conditions and obstacles posed by floating broken ice. UAVs and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are hindered by energy constraints that restrict the time they can monitor the ice. To tackle these challenges, researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University have designed an autonomous observation platform that charges and manages many different types of craft for maritime missions. The design is based around a small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) vessel that acts as a docking and charging station for AUVs and UAVs. The SWATH ship is engineered to be stable in the melting ice and operate in a wide range of sea conditions and high winds. It is also designed to be self-sufficient, navigating autonomously and using solar panels and an underwater turbine positioned between its twin hulls to generate and store energy. This ensures continuous mission support even when sailing against ocean currents. Results of the study, published in the journal Applied Ocean Research, show that using the motion of a wind-driven sailboat to generate power from the turbine beneath the SWATH is a feasible way to support long-term Arctic Ocean monitoring missions. This accommodates AUVs of various sizes and uses underwater lighting to guide the AUV into a docking shroud. A screw slide then secures the AUV in place, ensuring it is ready for recharging and data transfer. The docking station is towed several meters behind the SWATH’s stern connected by a robust cable for charging and data transmission. This improves the AUV’s endurance, enhances data collection, and extends its cruising range. Survey instruments in the underwater hulls collect mission-specific data, which is processed onboard and transmitted via satellite, enabling long-term, uncrewed ocean monitoring. The team also developed a formula to estimate the minimum sail area required for varying sizes of SWATH in combination with a wind-driven power system. Surface vessels Hybrid vessel for Arctic Ice “Our proposed autonomous observation platform system offers a comprehensive approach to studying the Arctic environment and monitoring the impact of melting sea ice,” said Prof Tsung-Chow Su, a researcher in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. “By providing a self-sustaining platform for continuous data collection, this design supports scientific research, environmental protection and resource management, laying the foundation for year-round monitoring of the Arctic.” The UAVs use high-resolution cameras and sensors for mapping and navigation, while AUVs gather underwater data. The DJI Dock 2 system enables UAVs to autonomously land, recharge and redeploy, while a universal underwater docking system allows AUVs to recharge and transfer data. Platform one 11 Uncrewed Systems Technology | April/May 2025 A twin hull vessel acts as a docking and charging station for autonomous underwater vehicles and UAVs (Image courtesy of Florida Atlantic University)
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