Only 5% of the world’s ocean floor have been mapped, collecting data at these depths provides a significant challenge. This project aims to design a deep-sea research platform, in the form of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.

If you want to find out more about the project, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantisUnderwaterRobot/ The robot will do the following;

• Travel to depths of 100m.
• Carry a payload of sensors and cameras that can collect images and data.
• Uses a flapping foil mechanism for propulsion.The robot will be bioinspired with oscillating foil propulsion; this will provide increased manoeuvrability.

This project involves designing, building and testing a full-scale robot. The team will carry out the following tasks to complete the project:

• Developing the conceptual design
• Modelling and optimising an interacting flapping foil mechanism
• Carrying out material testing for the hull and foil materials to determine if they can withstand operating conditions at 100m depth
• Modelling the hull under operating conditions using FEA, and reinforce the structure where necessary
• Manufacturing and testing the separate elements of the AUV
• Programming the AUV so it is capable of operating autonomously underwater, navigating a pre-set path.
• Test the robot at a depth of 3m