Algorithms improve capabilities of underwater search robots

According to a statement, the mechanical engineers have designed algorithms that vastly improve the robots’ navigation and detection capabilities.

The algorithms enable the hovering autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) to move around a ship’s hull and view complex structures such as propellers and shafts.

The goal is to achieve a resolution fine enough to detect a 10cm mine attached to the side of a ship.

‘A mine this small may not sink the vessel or cause loss of life, but if it bends the shaft or damages the bearing you still have a big problem,’ said project leader Franz Hover from MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. ‘The ability to ensure that the bottom of the boat doesn’t have a mine attached to it is really critical to vessel security today.’

Fully viewing a massive structure such as a naval combat vessel — as well as all its small features, including bolts, struts and any small mines — is a tricky planning problem, according to Hover.