This website provides public information about the AutoDrop project aiming at developing an innovative, autonomous underwater vehicle reducing the costs associated with deployment of sensors and data loggers to the seabed. AutoDrop was initiated by the coordinating SME, Abyssus Marine Services AS, and funded by the funding scheme "Research for the benefit of SMEs" within the EU 7th Framework Programme.
Official start date of the project was November 1st, 2010. The duration of the project is 24 months.
Project Description
The objective of the project is to develop a novel autonomous underwater vehicle that will significantly reduce the costs associated with deployment of sensors and data loggers to the seabed. The vehicle is equipped with sensors or loggers and is dropped into the ocean. It descends rapidly under the influence of gravity, while autonomously navigating towards a pre-programmed destination on the seabed. After completion of data acquisition, the vehicle returns to a predefined location on the surface for easy retrieval. This vehicle for transportation of assorted equipment is the AutoDrop.
Project Results
End of Reporting Period 1
The first reporting period ended 31st of July, 2011. It is good progress in the work so far and detailed plans for the further work have been made. Please contact the coordinator, Mr. Kyrre J. Tjøm in Abyssus Marine Services As for details on the development work.