AUV Kamikaze- Project Objectives:
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Characterize the data field around
Vailulu’u crater for the purpose of mapping navigation cues for novel,
neural network based AUV navigation system. |
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Map details of both water column
above crater using AUV and crevice sites in crater wall where
significant oceanic exchange occurs using Pisces submersible. |
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Exercise navigation method using
AUV to explore through crevice and across hydrothermal vent fields in
crater floor. |
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Exercise in-situ mass spectrometer
in appropriate depth range using samples taken by AUV system. |
Where is AUV Kamikaze going? Deep into the Vailulu'u Volcanic
Crater!
 Vailulu'u
Web Page
To the Eastside of Ta'u Island an active
underwater volcano, named Vailulu'u, is present. This unique seamount
already has been the subject of three previous seagoing cruises. Read
more about the outcome of these cruises ... |
Summary of the AUV Kamikaze Project
Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Marine and
Environmental systems is exploring the use of non-traditional methods
for oceanic research and navigation. The cornerstone of this work is
the use of hybrid neural networks for detection and recognition of
patterns in multi-sensory data inputs from the environment. Based on
these patterns, vehicle navigation can occur based on feature of
interest with higher confidence intervals than traditional INS based
or external acoustic based navigation. This mission would map data
suitable for AUV use to navigate in an extreme environment with robust
error recovery while performing scientific tasks. A demonstration run
of AUV in a typical application running across hydrothermal vent field
will be attempted. Comparison of FIT payload data to equivalent Pisces
V and tow-yo data will be used to validate datasets. |
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