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University of Michigan Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.

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Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Aquatic
Project Abstract: 
We plan to conduct engineering research trials of two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). These vehicles are fully autonomous robotic submersibles that will be used to conduct optical and sonar mapping of the Douglas lake seafloor. We will be testing vehicle control algorithms, multi-vehicle acoustic communication, and a new LED light array used for illumination of optical imaging.
Investigator(s): 
Ryan Eustice
Status of Research Project: 
Complete (archive)
Related links: 
PeRL Lab
Ryan Eustice
Years Active: 
2010 to 2016
Research sites: 
Douglas Lake
Methods: 
The two vehicles will be deployed separately, and possibly jointly, during our trials at UMBS. We will operate and launch the vehicles from one of the UMBS pontoon boats. The vehicles are pre-programmed with latitude/longitude survey waypoints and conduct the mission fully autonomously. We will be analyzing image, sonar, and vehicle control data after each mission to asses the vehicle's performance.
Funding agency: 
National Science Foundation