The autonomous underwater vehicle project is in its third year at University of Maine. This project has developed to the point where an enthusiastic group can now design the final production system and in looking at the proper design of systems to complete the mission. This is an interesting project that exists at the border between electrical engineering, computer science and mechanical engineering. The teams that participated in the 8th International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition included:
Cornell University
Duke University
Ecole de Technologie Superieure
Georgia Tech - Marine Robotics Society
Indian Underwater Robotics Society
MIT
University of Ottawa
University of Rhode Island
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Dallas
University of Victoria
Virginia Tech
It is expected that the team this year will spend a lot of time getting wet and learning about controls and optimization of mechanical systems for robotic applications. The mission for the 2006 competition has not yet been announced but the performance envelope is well known from previous projects. Basic sensor will need to be integrated prior to announcement of the mission and then programming and design of subsystems will continue after the initial work.
Milestones:
 | Proposal for modified milestones and initial deliverables: September 15, 2005 |
| Test results for existing control system, demonstration of system in pool |
| Proposal for new or modified control system and associated software platform |
| Sensor array defined based on 2006 mission |
| Order submitted for sensor array for robot |
| Presentation of first semester results including in water demonstration of operational machine: December 6, 2005 |
| First dry test of complete sensor array |
| Wet test of sensor array showing ability to read and respond to sensor input |
| Test run of competition mission |
| Set up of projects for final review, Maine Day: May 3, 2006 |
| Open house, operational review of project: May 4, 2006 |
| Final Project Report due: May 10 2006 |
|
Meet with former group members to obtain data and general knowledge |
9/20/05 |
|
Pool test of AUV |
10/1/05 |
|
AUV Website completion |
10/4/05 |
|
Research possible embedded controllers for AUV |
10/1/05 |
|
Determine best controller for AUV |
10/1/05 |
|
Technical justification for controller purchase |
10/8/05 |
|
Issue purchase request for new controller |
10/8/05 |
|
Program / Install logic for new controller |
TBD |
|
Research the use of ballast tanks for control mechanism |
11/1/05 |
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Evaluate the power consumption requirements for AUV |
11/1/05 |
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Determine control sensor array requirements for AUV |
TBD |
|
Issue purchase request for sensors |
TBD |
|
Install / Test sensor array |
TBD |
|
Presentation of first semester results including in water demonstration of operation machine |
12/6/05 |
|
Receive mission requirements |
2/1/06 |
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Determine sensor array requirements for mission |
TBD |
|
Configure AUV for mission tasks |
TBD |
|
AUV mission test |
TBD |
|
Set up of projects for final review |
5/3/06 |
|
Open House, operational review |
5/4/06 |
|
Final project report |
5/10/06 |