In my talk I will focus on the research and development of unmanned marine observation systems, the role they are currently playing in Marine Sciences and other marine applications as well as provide an outlook of the road ahead.
As an example, I will present a multi-vehicle iceberg observation system that illustrates not only the interplay between two complementary robotic systems but also the highly interdisciplinary nature of the research. The guidance of these platforms requires a good understanding of the guiding physical principles, starting from sound propagation models used for sonar mapping, sensor processing and interpretation, all the way to the dynamical response limitations of the vehicle system. Since these marine platforms have to operate in a highly unstructured, dynamic and often extreme environment they have to be robust, physically and “mentally”, in order to survive and achieve mission objectives. How should we go about that?
Moving from the surface waters, i.e. the upper 1000m, to the deep sea, I will give a brief introduction into my research plans using existing vehicles, such as underwater gliders and an entirely new vehicle for seafloor observations.