An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a submersible, untethered robotic submarine that is capable of performing complex tasks without aid from human operators. Today AUVs are extremely versatile, with applications including reconnaissance missions, mapping the ocean floor, and inspecting underwater structures like pipelines and dams.

The Delhi College of Engineering AUV Team has over the last three years developed a fourth generation AUV. This is a completely student run initiative with support from the university, external stakeholders and kep professor guides.

The DCE-AUV model has been designed with a view to achieve maximum operational standards and reliability with minimal payload and power requirements. The mechanical design focuses on stability and robustnessm thus reducing dependence on automated control. Four onboard thrusters are controlled by two PIC modules in communication with an onboard computer encased in a waterproof hull. Lithium polymer batteries form the captive power supply of the vehicle.

The sensor array features four hydrophones for acoustic navigation, a pressure transducer for depth measurement as well as an inertial measurement unit for global orientation. The software architecture is based on an adaptable control system that authors the response from a wide range of input signals from the sensors as well as the onboard computer. All sensors, including the cameras are interfaced to the onboard computer.

The codes to implement image processing, control systems and mission control have been written in C++. Graphical user interface have been developed for getting data from all sensors, implementing individual codes as well as for the mission control. Addition of wireless access system enables the access of data on onboard computer to an off-board computer while the AUV is in water. This eases troubleshooting, debugging and fine tuning of the codes to add to the efficiency of the AUV.