Underwater robotics

During the 1990s, numerous worldwide research and development activities occurred in underwater robotics, especially in the area of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). As the ocean attracts great attention on environmental issues and resources as well as scientific and military tasks, the need for and use of underwater robotic systems has become more apparent. Great efforts have been made in developing AUVs to overcome challenging scientific and engineering problems caused by the unstructured and hazardous ocean environment. In the 1990s, about 30 new AUVs have been built worldwide. It is just the beginning for more advanced, yet practical and reliable AUVs. The new millennium will bring advancements in technology that will enable the development of more practical, reliable AUVs. The paper describes some key areas in current state-of-the-art underwater robotic technologies and presents future research direction.