Real-time optical wireless communication between an underwater moving ROV and a tracking UAV

Area of Science:

• Optical Wireless Communication
• Robotics
• Underwater and Aerial Systems

Background:

• Real-time mobility is essential for dynamic water-air optical wireless communication (WA-OWC).
• Existing WA-OCW systems with mobility capabilities are limited, hindering scientific progress and practical use.
• Continuous communication between underwater and aerial platforms is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first WA-OWC system capable of real-time mobility between a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• To demonstrate continuous communication using real-time visual tracking.
• To establish a foundation for future dynamic WA-OWC systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of a closed-loop control system integrating real-time image processing.
• Implementation of robust communication strategies for dynamic environments.
• Utilizing real-time visual tracking for continuous link maintenance between ROV and UAV.

Main Results:

• Achieved continuous communication between a moving ROV and UAV.
• Maintained a 10-Mbps data rate for 146 seconds during river experiments.
• Operated with a 31-Hz control loop, demonstrating system stability and responsiveness.

Conclusions:

• The developed WA-OWC system is the first to enable real-time mobility for underwater and aerial vehicles.
• Real-time visual tracking and closed-loop control are effective for maintaining dynamic communication links.
• This research paves the way for advanced mobile WA-OWC applications.