The ecoSUBm25-Science AUV is a disruptive technology based on the extremely affordable ecoSUBm series AUV platform; it weighs just 12 kg and is depth rated to 2,500 m. Whilst most deep-rated AUV technology is based on large and expensive platforms, costing millions of dollars, the ecoSUB platform is in the tens of thousands, providing a step-change in accessibility to autonomous ocean data collection for the marine science community and others.
The ecoSUBm25-Science AUV was equipped with a CTD and a Chelsea Technologies TriLux sensor, providing measurements of Conductivity, Temperature, Chlorophyll, Turbidity and Phycoerythrin. The m25 platform is also capable of hosting sensors to measure Dissolved Oxygen, CDOM, pH, oil in water, as well as navigation sensors such as altimeters and DVL, along with acoustic coms for underwater communications.
The 2,000 m depth mission was completed on July 30, 2024. Launch and recovery was from Observatoio 1, a fast RIB research vessel, kindly provided by the Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, who generously supported the trials providing workshop and vessel support. This mission marks a world-AUV-first, industry leading 2,000 m deployment for a micro-AUV system—proving real world technology to aid ocean data collection.
ecoSUB dives deep in Madeira. (Video credit: ecoSUB)
Furthermore, on board navigation and mission parameters maintained a launch point and recovery point separation of just 125 meters, demonstrating the systems ability to maintain a straight down and straight up capability. Total mission length was 1h 40 m. Maximum depth recorded was 2,002 meters.
For more information about the ecoSUB family of affordable AUV systems, visit: www.ecosub.uk.
