AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle)

An autonomous underwater vehicle is an untethered, self-propelled submersible that runs a preprogrammed mission without a cable or pilot. Unlike a buoyancy-driven glider, an AUV carries a thruster and battery, holding survey speeds near 1.5 to 2 m/s for hours to days. Typical sensor loads include side-scan and multibeam sonar, a CTD, optical backscatter, and methane or oxygen sensors. Survey-class platforms such as the WHOI SeaBED and REMUS families map the seafloor at meter to centimeter resolution and dive to 6000 m on deep models. AUVs fill the gap between shipboard survey and fixed moorings, working under ice and over rough terrain where a towed body cannot.