Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are programmed to conduct missions beneath the surface, such as mapping the seafloor, inspecting pipelines, or collecting oceanographic data. Because radio waves do not penetrate water well, an AUV must rely on acoustic telemetry or surface periodically for GPS fixes. They carry onboard power and navigation systems to run completely untethered.
Heard on the job
The AUV is scheduled for a six-hour dive to run side-scan sonar along the pipeline trench.