[PSUBS-MAILIST] autonomous UV

[William Alford <walford@dbtech.net>]

Wow!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/04/030414084952.htm

Fetch, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The mini-robotic submarine
travels underwater at depths of up to 1,000 feet on a pre-programmed course.

“We have only scratched the surface of this technology,” said Rahman. “The
computer could be trained to recognize anything—a person swimming, a submarine,
a missile or a mine, anything.” Ultimately, the scientists hope to have Fetch2
autonomously follow the objects it detects.
Once programmed to discriminate among underwater objects, Fetch2 could patrol
coastlines, harbors, the hulls of vessels, bridge footings and other U.S. vital
interests, becoming an important tool in the war on terror and the battle to
keep our shores safe.

William Alford