Advancing Autonomous Systems: An Analysis of Current and Future Technology for Unmanned Maritime Vehicles

Abstract

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited. Permission is given to duplicate this document for personal use only, as long as it is unaltered and complete. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial use. For information on reprint and linking permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions. The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.

Sensors and Measurements for Unmanned Systems: An Overview

“…Due to the attenuating effects of water, UUVs, unlike USVs, do not rely on GPS signals when not resurfacing, instead relying on acoustics, sonar, cameras, Inertial Navigation Systems (INSs), or different sensor combinations to navigate [ 66 , 67 ].…”

“…DVL systems can measure UUV velocity and correct INS drifting errors, but only if the UUV operates in close proximity to the seafloor to establish a bottom lock [ 66 ].…”

“…UUV depth is important information for safeguarding the vehicle from operating at depths capable of damaging their functionality [ 66 ]. UUV depth measurements are provided by pressure sensors.…”

“…UUV depth measurements are provided by pressure sensors. In particular, the ambient pressure in the water column can be calculated through measurements provided by pressure sensors such as strain gauges, providing measurements accurate to within 0.1 percent [ 66 ], and quartz crystals, since their resonant frequencies are correlated with ocean pressures, capable of determining depth to an accuracy of 0.01 percent [ 66 ].…”

“…When surges in acceleration occur, low-cost sensors can be affected by performance degradation. With respect to information related to the angular rate, this can be obtained using gyroscopes [ 66 ].…”