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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S76762/01
Title: An Unmanned Surface Vehicle With Pollutant Tracking And Surveying Capabilities
Principal Investigator: Sutton, Professor R
Other Investigators:
Chudley, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Cattewater Harbour Commision Devonport Management Ltd Environment Agency (Grouped)
J+S Ltd QinetiQ Reson Offshore Ltd
South West Water Ltd Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum Technical University of Lisbon
Department: Mechanical & Marine Engineering
Organisation: University of Plymouth
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 2004 Ends: 30 June 2007 Value (£): 250,746
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Control Engineering Intelligent Measurement Sys.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Environment
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The overall aim of the research proposal is to investigate innovative artificial intelligence (AI), multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF), control systems design, and environmental sensor and instrumentation technologies in order to integrate them in a synergistic manner to the design of a cost effective and environmentally friendly unmanned underwater vehicle (USV) that possesses pollutant tracking and surveying capabilities. It will be designed primarily for undertaking pollutant tracking, and environmental and hydrographic surveys in rivers, reservoirs, inland waterways and coastal waters, particularly where shallow waters prevail.The vehicle will be able to transit to its designated work area and execute a given task operating either under autonomous automatic control or remote manual control. An equally important secondary role is also envisaged for the vehicle as a test bed platform for other academic and scientific institutions.The intention in the project is to focus the research work into the design of an interactive navigation, guidance and control (NGC) and environmental sensor system as it is considered that major contributions to knowledge will be forthcoming from this area of study. The NGC system, which will contain a number of novel features, will be enhanced by the information supplied by the primary environmental sensor system onboard. Also hydrographic surveys will be conducted in both remote and automatic control modes using a commercial sonar system.
Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.plym.ac.uk