Design of a Lateral-Line Sensor for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Abstract

In an ongoing research project an autonomous underwater vehicle is to be built that will detect, localize, and avoid objects by means of a fully passive sensory system. Using hot-wire anemometry it measures local water velocities at the vehicle's hull and thus mimics the lateral-line system of fish and many amphibians. Fish often use the lateral-line system as their only means for navigation, especially under poor visual conditions. Simulations and theoretical calculations of the flow around an underwater vehicle show that velocity measurements with hot-wire anemometers enable an underwater vehicle to detect surfaces, so that no clear sight or active scanning is necessary for collision avoidance. A first series of experiments validates theoretical calculations and shows that a vehicle can detect parallel movement to a wall.