This paper provides an overview ofsome of the missions and vehicle controlfunctionality being considered for the rapidlydeveloping technology of AutonomousUnderwater Vehicles. Spawned from theavailability of small embedded processors andthe increasing capabilities of underwatercommunications, these small untetheredvehicles are expected to play a role as a forcemultiplier in expanding our ability to surveyocean areas. Missions expected to become viablein the near future include environmentalmonitoring, underwater inspection, geologicalsurvey as well as the current focus on militarymissions in mine countermeasures andremediation.
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