ecoSUB Robotics and Sonardyne demonstrate autonomous subsea launch

ecoSUB Robotics and Sonardyne have demonstrated a breakthrough in autonomous underwater operations involving seabed-mounted aided navigation and autonomous Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) launch. The system utilizes seabed nodes that combine acoustic communications with a passive ultra-short baseline (USBL) system to create launch points capable of remaining dormant for long periods.

During the UK Smart Sound Connect Subsurface demonstration, the technology allowed an ecoSUB AUV to launch from a dedicated tube and navigate without GNSS by receiving precise acoustic position updates from the nodes at ranges up to 600 meters. The project, led by the University of Plymouth, showcased the ability for multiple AUVs to coordinate responses across wide areas using this infrastructure.