An underwater hexapod robot, driven by six C-shaped legs and eight thrusters, has the potential to traverse diverse terrains with unknown deformable properties, which can lead to unknown leg–terrain interaction forces. However, it is hard to use exteroceptive sensors such as cameras and sonars to recognize these properties. Here we propose a method to perceive the interaction … [Read more...] about Terrain-Adaptive Locomotion Control for an Underwater Hexapod Robot: Sensing Leg–Terrain Interaction With Proprioceptive Sensors
Autonomous underwater vehicles
An Unmanned Surface Vehicle for the Launch and Recovery of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: A Novel Design
As underwater operation equipment, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have received widespread attention in the trend of unmanned and intelligent operations. They play an increasingly important role in offshore oil exploration, underwater rescue, military reconnaissance, seabed salvage, and marine scientific research. The research and application of AUVs is a systematic … [Read more...] about An Unmanned Surface Vehicle for the Launch and Recovery of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: A Novel Design
Marine Sediment Sampling With an Underwater Legged Robot: A User-Driven Sampling Approach for Microplastic Analysis
In this work we present a novel system for marine sediment sampling aimed at microplastic (MP) assessment studies. The system is composed of a medium-sized underwater legged robot (ULR) equipped with a customized sampler consisting of a grab mounted on an underactuated mechanism. The system was developed following the requirements of marine biologists actively involved in MP … [Read more...] about Marine Sediment Sampling With an Underwater Legged Robot: A User-Driven Sampling Approach for Microplastic Analysis
Opportunistic (Re)planning for Long-Term Deep-Ocean Inspection: An Autonomous Underwater Architecture
Robots are increasingly used in subsea environments because of their positive impact on human safety and operational capabilities in the deep ocean. However, achieving full autonomy remains challenging because of the extreme conditions they encounter. In this context, we propose an autonomous underwater architecture for long-term deep-ocean inspection that robustly plans … [Read more...] about Opportunistic (Re)planning for Long-Term Deep-Ocean Inspection: An Autonomous Underwater Architecture
Multirobot Multimodal Deep Sea Surveys: Use in Detailed Estimation of Manganese Crust Distribution
This article describes a multiyear survey of cobalt-rich manganese crust (Mn-crust) deposits using multiple underwater robots. Using two autonomous underwater vehicles and one remotely operated vehicle, mounted with camera systems, multibeam sonar, and subbottom sensors, large areas were surveyed by incorporating the advantages of each robot to create a comprehensive database … [Read more...] about Multirobot Multimodal Deep Sea Surveys: Use in Detailed Estimation of Manganese Crust Distribution
