Autonomous Boxfish AUV Demonstrates Efficiency in Coastal Marine Survey

Operating in a dynamic marine environment with changing currents and visibility, it can be challenging to maintain the precision needed for photogrammetry. In this mission, the Boxfish AUV’s efficiency in collecting high-resolution underwater data for coastal applications is highlighted.

Mission Overview

Using Boxfish Robotics Safepath mission planning software, we programmed the AUV to perform a 88 sqm grid survey at an altitude of 1.5 m, travelling at a speed of 0.3 m/s.

The entire mission was completed in a single 14 min run, producing:

• A high-resolution 3D model of the seafloor
• Efficient coverage with dense image overlap
• Robust navigation and data capture in coastal conditions

Scientific Value of the Mission

This autonomous AUV coastal survey demonstrates the Boxfish AUV’s ability to:

• Execute surveys with precision and reliability
• Operate efficiently in environments with currents and visibility changes
• Produce data suitable for scientific-grade 3D reconstruction

Applications include:

• Coastal habitat mapping
• Marine restoration projects
• Baseline surveys for conservation

Towards Greater Impact

With efficiency proven in both freshwater and coastal environments, the next validation steps will focus on collaborative projects. Stay tuned as we continue to expand the envelope of autonomous underwater exploration.