Autonomous underwater vehicle
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a robot that travels underwater without requiring continuous input from an operator. AUVs constitute part of a larger group of undersea systems known as unmanned underwater vehicles, a classification that includes non-autonomous remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) – controlled and powered from the surface by an operator/pilot via an umbilical or using remote control. In military applications an AUV is more often referred to as an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV). Underwater gliders are a subclass of AUVs.
Picture taken of the Battlespace Preparation Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (BPAUV) by an employee of Bluefin Robotics Corporation during a US Navy exercise
The Blackghost AUV is designed to undertake an underwater assault course autonomously with no outside control.
Pluto Plus AUV for underwater mine identification and destruction. From Norwegian minehunter KNM Hinnøy
A University of South Florida researcher deploys Tavros02, a solar-powered "tweeting" AUV (SAUV).
Remotely operated underwater vehicle
A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROUV) or remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is a free-swimming submersible craft used to perform underwater observation, inspection and physical tasks such as valve operations, hydraulic functions and other general tasks within the subsea oil and gas industry, military, scientific and other applications. ROVs can also carry tooling packages for undertaking specific tasks such as pull-in and connection of flexible flowlines and umbilicals, and component replacement.
ROV at work in an underwater oil and gas field. The ROV is using a torque wrench to adjust a valve on a subsea structure.
A Royal Navy ROV (Cutlet) first used in the 1950s to retrieve practice torpedoes and mines
AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization Vehicle
Image taken by a ROV of krill feeding on ice algae in Antarctica