This project proposes to design, develop and demonstrate an AUV docking system for Dorado-class AUVs
enabling a variety of science operations, especially event response scenarios. The system will support extended
deployments of a docking AUV using the MARS cabled observatory for power and communications. MARS
compatibility should ensure the system is well suited to being deployed on future Regional-scale Cabled
Observatories (RCOs). Ultimately the docking system should be adapted to function as an element of MOOS,
although such an extension is not presently in this effort.
This proposal effectively renews the docking effort expiring in 2005. By the end of 2005 we expect to have
conducted a Docking Requirements Review and a Preliminary Design Review. Supporting the PDR, we will
have completed tests of candidate docking elements such as USBL homing systems, communication links, and
inductive power transfer devices. Perhaps most important, we will have re-opened the dialog with potential
science users within MBARI, beginning the process of building a science user base.
In 2006, we will build a test-dock for demonstrating homing and terminal guidance algorithms at sea. Data and
power transfer modules developed in ‘05 will be integrated into the dock and tested. We will also demonstrate
latching mechanisms and a dock control module. We will demonstrate an event response capability with the test
dock before focusing on the revised design of the dock we’ll deploy on MARS in 2007. We will conduct a
Critical Design Review when the design is complete.
In 2007, after shallow water trials, we will deploy the new docking station on the MARS cabled observatory
and perform Event Response and Time Series experiments.
Last updated: Feb. 06, 2009