Articles tagged with "autonomous-underwater-vehicles"
Deep-sea robots resume hunt for missing Malaysian plane after 11 years
The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared over the southern Indian Ocean on March 8, 2014, has resumed nearly 12 years later with a new underwater mission beginning on December 30. The Boeing 777 vanished with 239 people onboard after its transponder stopped transmitting about 40 minutes into the flight, and military radar showed it deviated sharply from its planned route, heading into the remote Indian Ocean. Despite the largest and most expensive search in aviation history covering 46,000 square miles, no wreckage was found, and the search was suspended in 2017. Pieces believed to be from the plane have washed ashore in scattered locations, but only three wing fragments have been definitively linked to MH370, and no bodies have been recovered. The renewed search is led by Texas-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity under a “no find, no fee” agreement, with a potential payout of up to $70 million if the wreckage is located. Unlike previous
roboticsdeep-sea-robotsunderwater-searchmarine-roboticsautonomous-underwater-vehiclessearch-technologyocean-explorationFifth-generation nuclear submarine program accelerated by Russia
Russia has announced the development of a fifth-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to enhance its naval defenses amid Western sanctions, industrial difficulties, and NATO’s rapid naval modernization. The program, revealed by Nikolai Patrushev during the 125th anniversary of the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering, focuses on advanced underwater systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles and unique underwater weapons. This initiative aims to maintain Russia’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is considered the most reliable leg of its strategic triad, currently supported by fourth-generation Borei-class SSBNs armed with Bulava missiles. The new submarine design is expected to emphasize reduced noise, greater automation, extended underwater endurance, and improved integration with future command-and-control networks to counter advanced Western anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The program is seen as a Russian counterpart to the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class SSBN and aligns with Russia’s broader goal of “technological sovereignty” amid restricted access to foreign technology. Speculation suggests
robotautonomous-underwater-vehiclesnuclear-submarineunderwater-weaponsmilitary-technologyautomationdefense-systemsEU unveils $5.6-million plan to build quieter underwater drones
The European Defense Agency (EDA) has launched a €4.8-million ($5.6-million) research initiative called SPHYDA (Submarine Hull/Rudder/Propeller Hydrodynamics Interaction and Hydroacoustics) aimed at reducing the acoustic noise generated by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Over four years, the project seeks to analyze how noise arises from the interaction of hull shapes, rudders, and propellers, with a particular focus on hydrodynamic noise caused by propulsion systems that generate cavitation. By developing advanced numerical models and experimental methods, SPHYDA aims to create digital design guidelines for quieter, stealthier underwater drones, which will provide strategic military advantages and help protect marine life. The project involves nine industrial and research partners from Italy (the lead nation), Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Norway. After building and validating digital models, SPHYDA will proceed to tank testing and real-world sea trials to measure far-field noise. The initiative reflects a broader
roboticsautonomous-underwater-vehiclesunderwater-droneshydrodynamicsnoise-reductionmilitary-technologystealth-technologyChina's bizarre-looking submarine could work as surface vessel: Report
China has unveiled a novel naval vessel at the Huangpu shipyard in Guangzhou that combines features of both submarines and surface ships, generating significant interest among defense analysts. The craft, approximately 65 meters long with a trimaran hull design, displays a minimal superstructure and lacks visible missile tubes, hangars, or traditional crew spaces, leading experts to speculate it may be unmanned or minimally crewed. Its dark coloration and submarine-like sail fitted with snorkel or antenna masts further emphasize its hybrid nature. The vessel’s propulsion might include a pump-jet system, which offers quieter, stealthier movement compared to conventional propellers. The exact purpose of this unusual platform remains unclear, but several theories have emerged. It could serve as a semi-submersible arsenal ship capable of launching missiles before submerging, a drone deployment platform for aerial or underwater systems, a covert special-operations transport, or a testbed for new hybrid naval technologies. The concept of a semi-submersible arsenal ship
robotunmanned-vesselsnaval-technologyhybrid-maritime-platformsstealth-technologypump-jet-propulsionautonomous-underwater-vehiclesUS robots to hunt Malaysia’s mysterious missing flight after 11 years
Malaysia is set to relaunch the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on December 30, marking a significant development in the decade-old mystery of the missing plane. The flight disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people aboard, vanishing from radar and later being tracked diverting into the remote southern Indian Ocean. Despite extensive multinational search efforts, the main wreckage has never been found. The Malaysian government has now authorized a new deep-sea mission led by US company Ocean Infinity, which will deploy advanced marine robotics to scan a 5,800-square-mile zone identified through refined drift and debris analysis. Ocean Infinity’s 55-day operation will utilize cutting-edge seabed mapping and object detection technologies to improve the precision of the search compared to previous efforts. The company will operate under a “no-find, no-fee” contract, receiving payment only if the wreckage is located. This renewed search targets an area informed by updated modeling of
roboticsmarine-robotsdeep-sea-explorationsearch-and-rescue-technologyunderwater-roboticsOcean-Infinityautonomous-underwater-vehicles7 of the world’s most deadliest robot submarines set to change naval warfare forever
The article highlights the transformative impact of autonomous and robotic submarines on modern naval warfare, emphasizing their ability to operate longer, deeper, and with greater precision than manned vessels. These unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are equipped with advanced sensors, autonomous navigation, and modular payload bays, allowing them to perform diverse missions such as surveillance, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine operations while minimizing human risk. The article profiles seven of the most powerful and innovative military robot submarines currently shaping naval capabilities worldwide. Among the featured UUVs, Boeing’s Orca XLUUV stands out as one of the largest and most capable, with an 85-ton weight and a 6,000-nautical-mile range, supporting a variety of mission payloads. The Snakehead LDUUV, designed for launch from submarines, emphasizes deep-water, long-endurance missions with sophisticated autonomy and modular design. The Greyshark AUV offers long-range reconnaissance with swarm capabilities
robotautonomous-underwater-vehiclesunmanned-submarinesmilitary-technologynaval-warfareunderwater-roboticsenergy-storage-systemsU.S. and Australia sign $3B critical minerals deal
The United States and Australia have signed a $3 billion agreement to jointly invest in critical minerals projects over the next six months, aiming to strengthen supply chains for essential materials. The total value of the project pipeline is estimated at $8.5 billion. A key component of the deal includes the U.S. Department of Defense funding a gallium refinery in Western Australia with a production capacity of 100 tons per year. This investment addresses U.S. reliance on gallium imports, which currently meet 100% of domestic consumption at about 21 tons annually. The move is partly a response to China's export restrictions on rare earth elements and other critical minerals used in electronics and electric motors. In addition to the minerals agreement, Australia has committed to purchasing $1.2 billion worth of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) from the U.S. defense startup Anduril. It remains unclear whether this purchase is a new contract or part of a previously announced $1.12 billion program for delivering Ghost Shark
critical-mineralsrare-earth-elementsgalliumenergy-materialsautonomous-underwater-vehiclesdefense-technologyelectric-motorsInside Australia's $1.1B Ghost Shark Drone Fleet
Australia is investing $1.1 billion in the Ghost Shark XL-AUV program, a fleet of large, autonomous underwater drones developed in partnership with Anduril Industries. These AI-powered drones are designed to operate stealthily beneath the ocean surface for extended periods—weeks at a time—without any onboard crew. Their capabilities include intelligence gathering, surveillance of enemy fleets, and precision strike potential, all while maintaining silence and evading detection. Scheduled for deployment by 2026, the Ghost Shark fleet represents a significant shift in naval strategy for Australia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. By offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional crewed submarines, these drones aim to provide a formidable deterrent and enhance Australia's maritime security posture. The program underscores a move toward leveraging autonomous technology to reshape naval warfare and influence the regional balance of power.
robotautonomous-underwater-vehiclesmilitary-dronesAI-powered-dronesunderwater-roboticsdefense-technologyunmanned-systemsInside Advanced Navigation's coral loss discovery in the world's southernmost reefs - The Robot Report
Advanced Navigation recently deployed three of its autonomous underwater Hydrus drones to survey the Hall Bank reef, one of the world’s southernmost coral reefs located off Fremantle, Western Australia. The mission, conducted in partnership with marine consultancy O2 Marine, involved capturing geo-referenced high-resolution imagery and 4K video to create a detailed 3D digital twin of the seabed. The data revealed severe coral bleaching and fragmentation, highlighting a significant environmental crisis at this atypical reef location. The survey faced challenges such as maintaining accurate positioning in complex subsea environments with weak GNSS signals and balancing high-resolution data capture with mission duration, which required careful pre-mission planning and adaptive mission logic for resilience. Key lessons from the mission emphasized the importance of thorough pre-survey planning accounting for bathymetry, tides, and light conditions, as well as the need for flexible autonomous operations to handle unexpected underwater conditions. Post-mission, Advanced Navigation focused on efficient image processing and quality assurance to enhance the accuracy
robotautonomous-underwater-vehiclescoral-reef-monitoringunderwater-dronesmarine-roboticsenvironmental-surveyingdigital-twin-technology