Scalable laser-based underwater wireless optical communication solution between autonomous underwater vehicle fleets

Area of Science:

• Marine robotics
• Underwater communication systems
• Optical networking

Background:

• Multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are replacing single AUV surveys, increasing the need for efficient fleet communication.
• Underwater acoustic communication faces data rate limitations, necessitating alternative solutions.
• Laser-based underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) offers high bandwidth but requires reliable link establishment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable laser-based link establishment method for AUV fleets.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) methods in UWOC.
• To enable robust and practical laser communication between maneuvering AUVs.

Main Methods:

• A novel method combining AUV maneuvering, acoustic positioning, and optical system control for laser link establishment.
• Simulation of the proposed method against existing PAT techniques.
• Machine experiments to validate the practical applicability of the developed approach.

Main Results:

• The proposed method consistently outperformed the existing PAT method in simulated environments.
• Successful establishment of laser links between AUVs was achieved.
• Machine experiments confirmed the practical applicability and effectiveness of the approach.

Conclusions:

• The developed scalable laser-based link establishment method is a viable solution for AUV fleet communication.
• This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of underwater wireless optical communication.
• The successful implementation paves the way for advanced AUV operations requiring high-bandwidth underwater data transfer.