Underwater robots to autonomously dock mid-mission to recharge and transfer data

Now, a Purdue University team has created a mobile docking system for AUVs, enabling them to perform longer tasks without the need for human intervention. The team also has published papers on ways to adapt this docking system for AUVs that will explore extraterrestrial lakes, such as those of Jupiter and Saturn's moons. "My research focuses on persistent operation of robots in challenging environments," said Nina Mahmoudian, an associate professor of mechanical engineering. Once a marine robot submerges in water, it loses the ability to transmit and receive radio signals, including GPS data. Some may use acoustic communication, but this method can be difficult and unreliable, especially for long-range transmissions.