Autonomy and networking challenges of future underwater systems

In the last decade, the use of underwater systems of all kinds has seen a steady increase. In this publication, we advocate the use of such systems in a complementary, collective, and networked manner. Even though today's achievements of such systems look impressive, the level of autonomy and networking required for tomorrow's needs remains deficient. After reviewing current trends and limitations, we formulate challenges pertaining to research areas that are key for future employments of underwater systems. We conclude by discussing future research efforts, especially those at the DRDC Atlantic Research Centre.

I. Introduction

Unlike their surface and air counterparts, underwater systems continuously cope with denied navigational references and limited communications. Those inherent constraints led underwater systems at the forefront of autonomy. Modern autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV's) rarely require human interventions compared to the high degree of human interactions needed to operate an unmanned air vehicle [1]. While AUV's can impressively map ocean bottoms and cover 1000 kilometers under ice without resurfacing [2], such autonomy will not be sufficient for tomorrow's needs.