Autonomous Underwater Vehicles - achievements and current trends

Abstract

The field of underwater robotics has reached an impressive technological momentum over the past decades by merging areas such as electrical, mechanical and systems engineering. A particular interest is presented by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), given the progress in the implementation of revolutionary technologies to overcome the challenges associated with autonomous operation in the underwater environment. The purpose of this paper is to present a synthesis of what has been achieved so far with regard to AUVs, from the factors and conditions that underlie their operation on issues related to different models and implemented technologies, up to current development trends