Applying AUV Lessons and Technologies to Autonomous Surface Craft Development

摘要

Recent restructuring at the MIT AUV Lab has led to a convergence of autonomous vehicle technologies. Previously, the development of AUVs and Autonomous Surface Craft (ASCs) was pursued independently. In 1999 and 2000 new AUV software and electronic systems were developed and the lab's primary ASC underwent a significant mechanical redesign. The timing of these developments was fortuitous; it allowed the results of both efforts to be brought together during late 2000 and early 2001. This work to combine developments in two different vehicle programs streamlined the autonomous vehicle fleet at the AUV Lab. With identical user interfaces and programming requirements any engineer familiar with the AUV can now operate the ASC as well. Similarity in AUV and ASC control systems improves the economics of vehicle maintenance and deployment.