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Research project

HEIF 2023/24 Water sampling with Micro-AUVs

Project overview

This project supports collaborative work between the University and a UK SME micro-AUV manufacturer as we look to complete final development stages and initial field-testing of an experimental sampler for the smallest class of AUVs. The project will strengthen a productive relationship between the university and marine business, help bring university-developed technology closer to market, and sow the seeds for new inter-faculty research work that will exploit the technology.

Staff

Lead researcher

Dr Adrian Nightingale

Lecturer in Microfluidics&Sensor Design
Connect with Adrian

Email: A.Nightingale@soton.ac.uk

Other researchers

Dr Amber Annett

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Oceanography
  • Marine biogeochemistry
  • Trace elements
Connect with Amber

Email: A.L.Annett@soton.ac.uk

Professor Blair Thornton

Professor of Marine Autonomy

Research interests

  • Autonomous robotic platforms allow detailed observations to be made over large areas in the ocean. For these systems to be useful, it is necessary to develop advanced sensing capabilities and methods to allow the robots to safely navigate and accurately localize themselves in complex, GPS denied environments. Once observations have been made, it’s necessary to interpret the large volumes of data that are gathered in an efficient and scalable way. For more information on research activities, please visit the Ocean Perception research website.
  • Seafloor 3D visual reconstruction: Development of deep-sea imaging hardware and processing pipelines for calibration, localisation and 3D mapping of the seafloor with full-field uncertainty characterisation.
  • BioCam (NERC NE/P020887/1): Development of a deep-sea, high-altitude seafloor imaging system for monitoring seafloor ecological variables as part of the Oceanids Marine Sensor Capital program. This project is a collaboration with Sonardyne International Ltd, the National Oceanography Centre and the ACFR University of SydneyAT-SEA (NERC NE/T010592/1): 3D visual survey of decommissioned seafloor infrastructure using a shore launched Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (Boaty McBoaface) as part of the INSITE program. This project is a collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre. Automated interpretation of data: Development of AI methods for rapid scalable interpretation of seafloor imagery.
Connect with Blair

Email: B.Thornton@soton.ac.uk

Collaborating research institutes, centres and groups

Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute

We work with partner organisations to tackle global marine and maritime challenges, from developing green technologies to influencing government policy.

Research outputs