Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a groundbreaking, low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platform designed to revolutionize multi-agent autonomy research. The team, led by Nelson Durrant and including Braden Meyers, Matthew McMurray, Clayton Smith, Brighton Anderson, Tristan Hodgins, Kalliyan Velasco, and Joshua G. Mangelson, introduced the Configurable Underwater Group of Autonomous Robots (CoUGARs). This innovative platform aims to address the substantial financial and engineering challenges associated with real-world underwater testing for multi-agent autonomy.
The CoUGARs platform is a significant leap forward in accessibility and affordability for underwater research. The base design costs less than $3,000 USD, a fraction of the price of traditional AUVs. This cost-effectiveness is achieved through the use of commercially available and 3D-printed parts, which also enable quick customization for various sensor payloads and configurations. This adaptability makes CoUGARs an ideal tool for researchers looking to experiment with different setups without the prohibitive costs typically associated with such endeavors.
The current expanded model of CoUGARs is equipped with a doppler velocity log (DVL) and ultra-short-baseline (USBL) acoustic array/transducer. These components support research on acoustic-based cooperative localization, a critical area of study for improving the coordination and efficiency of multiple underwater vehicles. The platform’s state estimation, navigation, and acoustic communications software have been developed and deployed using a containerized software stack. This software is tightly integrated with the HoloOcean simulator, allowing for comprehensive testing and validation in a virtual environment before real-world deployment.
The system’s effectiveness was rigorously tested both in simulation and through in-situ field trials in Utah lakes and reservoirs. These trials demonstrated the platform’s capability to perform cooperative localization tasks, showcasing its potential for real-world applications. The successful integration of simulation and field testing highlights the robustness and reliability of the CoUGARs platform, making it a valuable asset for the maritime research community.
The practical applications of the CoUGARs platform are vast. For the marine sector, this technology can enhance underwater exploration, environmental monitoring, and resource management. The ability to deploy multiple low-cost AUVs simultaneously can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection, leading to better decision-making and resource allocation. Furthermore, the platform’s adaptability allows for the integration of various sensors and payloads, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of underwater research and industrial applications.
In summary, the CoUGARs platform represents a significant advancement in the field of multi-agent autonomy research. Its low cost, adaptability, and robust performance make it an invaluable tool for researchers and industry professionals alike. By democratizing access to advanced underwater research capabilities, the CoUGARs platform has the potential to accelerate innovation and discovery in the marine sector, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and efficient ocean management practices. Read the original research paper here.