The study of marine biodiversity is crucial for supporting sustainable development and environmental protection. In India, the study of marine biodiversity is narrow due to the high costs of necessary technology and lack of accessible resources. As industrial activities continue to pollute India’s coastline, it is necessary to enhance their marine research.
To address this issue, students from the IEEE Student Branch at Ahmedabad University, in partnership with ReefWatch India and the Society of Marine Conservation, created a Bio-Mimetic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. This efficient and cost-effective vehicle has the ability to perform detailed, high-resolution ocean floor mapping.
The device uses three main components: a compact, high-resolution SONAR sensor with ultrasonic elements, a bio-inspired, light-weight AUV design, and an autonomous navigation system. These technologies work together to form a device that is precise, flexible in diverse marine conditions, and self-operating.
The Bio-Mimetic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle will improve India’s marine biodiversity research and inform regulations to aid ecological balance.
This project was made possible by $6,820.00 in funding from EPICS in IEEE.