Case study 01 • Autonomous underwater systems
AUV Systems Integration & Sea Trials
Integrated mechanical, electrical, sensing, propulsion, and control systems across two AUV configurations, then converted sea-trial evidence into practical vehicle improvements.
Challenge
The system problem
Bring a complex subsea vehicle from workshop readiness through repeatable offshore operation, including an extended configuration with a three-metre fuel-cell section and pressure housings intended for approximately three-kilometre depth.
Approach
Integration work
- Acted as a field technical authority for vehicle readiness and water operations.
- Validated mission planning, onboard equipment, controllers, propulsion, recovery, and complete vehicle behaviour.
- Designed thruster, propeller, and battery off-gassing tests and connected physical performance back to control feedback.
- Resolved ground loops, accelerated corrosion, motor sizing, packaging, assembly-access, and manufacturability failures.
Outcome
What changed
Supported three successful field operations and a three-month sea-trial program. Test evidence drove larger control planes, revised controllers, new propeller configurations, and a more buildable fuel-cell package.
3 monthssea trials
2vehicle configurations
3successful field operations