Precision control technologies for ROVs and intervention AUVs
Project Manager: Steve Rock
Lead Scientist: Bruce Robison
Lead Engineer: Rob McEwen

For 2003, this project will continue to work on autonomous control of both ROVs and AUVs. The near-term focus will be development and exploitation of vision-based sensing to enable autonomous/automatic vehicle control. This work is part of a joint research activity between Stanford University’s Aerospace Robotics Laboratory and MBARI, focused on exploring high-risk high-payoff technologies that will enable a "spectrum of autonomy" in unmanned underwater vehicle control. Work continues on full-scale integration of of automated modes for benthic and midwater station-keeping.

The project will also extend previous developments to:

• Create a robust, turn-key pilot aid for ROV benthic station-keeping and mosaicking that is fully integrated into the hardware and software environments of the ROVs. 

• Enable new capabilities in pilot aids for ROV jelly tracking

• Generate new control and tracking technologies that will enable a new platform capable of tracking gelatinous marine animals for long periods of time (e.g. days).