Systems overview of unmanned, untethered submersibles

Such high technology areas as artificial intelligence and microprocessor-based control systems have realized rapid advancement in recent years. The net result of this improved state-of-the-art is that unmanned, untethered, submersible vehicles are approaching a transition point from prototype systems demonstrating various technologies to the stage where it is opportune to investigate practical applications for both commercial and military markets; the goal being an off-the-shelf, unmanned, untethered vehicle system. Recognizing the fact that a limited number of these vehicles have been manufactured for both military and commercial applications, work remains to be accomplished before the unmanned, untethered submersible vehicle is recognized as a commercially viable system. This paper will present a systems overview, starting with practical applications for an untethered ROV and discussion of the integration of new technologies unique to these untethered submersibles such as artificial intelligence, preprogrammed microprocessor controls, and energy sources with existing tethered vehicle systems including propulsion, video and acoustic sensors, and work packages. The emphasis will be not only what the required capabilities of these subsystems are but also their integration into a cost effective, reliable, and maintainable system that meets commercial and military requirements.