Oil, Gas, and Energy
The oil and gas industry uses AUVs to create detailed maps of the seafloor prior to the construction of subsea infrastructure. Pipelines and subsea installations can then be placed in the most cost-effective way with minimal environmental impact.
AUVs enable survey companies to conduct highly accurate surveys in areas where traditional bathymetric methods would be less effective or prohibitively expensive.
Additionally, post-installation pipeline surveys can now be carried out using AUVs, including pipeline inspection and condition assessment.
Scientific Research
Ocean Survey and Marine Studies: AUVs are used to survey the seafloor and collect data on depth, seabed structure, and the physical properties of water.
They assist scientists in studying environmental conditions, underwater ecosystems, and climate change.
Marine Life and Ecological Research: AUVs can carry sensors and cameras to study marine animals, their behavior, and underwater ecosystems without disturbing or impacting them. These studies provide deeper insights into marine species and the interactions within aquatic ecosystems.
Marine Environmental Monitoring: AUVs monitor underwater environmental factors such as temperature, pH, salinity, and water pollution. They can detect changes in water quality or pollution risks stemming from industrial activities.
Military Applications
Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: AUVs are used to carry out underwater intelligence missions, survey strategic areas or military installations, and detect potential threats such as naval mines or submarines.
Mine Detection and Clearance: AUVs are capable of efficiently scanning and detecting underwater mines.
Their deployment reduces the risk to human demining teams, enabling mine detection and neutralization in hazardous areas without the need for divers.
Seafloor Mapping: AUVs support seafloor surveying and mapping during military operations or training exercises.
This includes identifying the location of underwater structures, submarines, or other potential hazards.
Environmental Monitoring
Scientists use AUVs to study lakes, oceans, and the seafloor. A wide range of sensors can be mounted on AUVs to measure concentrations of various elements or compounds, light absorption or reflectance, and the presence of microscopic life. Examples include CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) sensors, fluorometers, and pH sensors. In addition, AUVs can be configured as towed platforms to deliver customized sensor packages to specific locations.
