An underwater, doppler-based acoustic navigation system uses a single hydrophone and at least one acoustic source to enable multiple AUVs to follow the acoustic source at relative positions. Additional acoustic sources further promote complex following patterns and precision. The system employs a “leader” AUV with an acoustic beacon and “follower” AUVs. The followers navigate by the Doppler Effect; a higher pitch indicates the correct direction and a lower pitch informs the AUVs that they need to redirect. The Doppler Shift Navigation System expands underwater robotics intelligence. With integration designed for low-cost AUVs, creating swarms widens the range of scientific and commercial operations.
Background: Swarm Intelligence is a collective behavior composed of many individuals who coordinate using decentralized control and self-organization. It is typically used in aircraft and drones because of the access to GPS, high data rates, and low-cost hardware. Unfortunately, integration into underwater swarming intelligence has stagnated due to limited GPS, Wi-Fi, expensive navigation, and low data rate communications.
TRL: 5