The lack of power source capacity is one of the most fatal problems for the AUV spotlighted as a means of underwater survey and observation of the next generation, to be attacked for its practical use. To be free from such a problem, some long-term-cruising-AUVS employ with a large capacity power source like a closed cycle diesel engine or a fuel cell. On the other hand, if underwater recharging system for conventional batteries is developed, that will help us make the AUVs more practical without increasing its size, weight and cost. And such a new method of the AUV can be expected that the AUV is operated in combination with underwater bases or large submersibles. Now, we have carried out to develop such an AUV, called "MARINEBIRD", that is capable of docking in an underwater station and recharging the battery. This kind of technologies have already been underwater-tested in the U.S.A. and European countries, but our newly developed AUV is based on our original mechanism for docking, different from such ones. The MARINEBIRD succeeded the docking test in the dock trial, and demonstrated the excellence of its autonomous docking capability. The MARINEBIRD has the big advantage of charging batteries and receiving data at the underwater base without recovery by the surface support ship or such purposes as required in combination with a larger sub mersible, that will contribute to increase efficiency in underwater survey.
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