Towards a Surface Communication Board for an Underwater Robot

Authors: Kavey Zheng, Oscar Zheng

Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math

Program Affiliation: BUPNUR

Faculty Mentors: Monika Roznere

Easel: 8

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Due to the lack of reliable GPS signals underwater, signal and tether management remains a continuous challenge for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The goal is to develop an easily deployable modular system that improves underwater exploration. This project describes the implementation of a heterogeneous team composed of an UUV and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). It integrates ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning for accurate tracking and Wi-Fi on the USV to transmit data from a tethered UUV to a receiver over the network. The USV also manages the tether connection to the UUV, circumventing the need for a human to manage the cable. The USV design focuses on a compact, modular tube structure that acts as an intermediary between the UUV and receiver. This project contributes to advancing underwater robotics by addressing a key challenge in underwater communication management.