Design of a micro-AUV for autonomy development and multi-vehicle systems

This paper presents the Bluefin SandShark micro Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), a low-logistics platform designed to encourage broader use of AUVs and reduce the timeline for new technology development. The AUV architecture includes a standardized tail section containing the necessary hardware and software for basic functionality, while reserving over half of its available volume for a user-defined payload in the forward section. Payload development is encouraged via open interfaces and a software architecture designed for the developer. The micro-AUV is also suited to multi-vehicle missions, and use-cases requiring a low-cost or expendable AUV.