Cable tracking by autonomous underwater vehicle

Abstract

This paper describes cable tracking method and recent activities of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named Aqua Explorer 2 (AE-2) and Aqua Explorer 2000 (AE2000) which were developed for the inspection of submarine cables. These AUVs can find and trace underwater telecommunication cables by using cable tracking sensor. Last winter, authors conducted an experiment for cable tracking in a shallow bay where the electric wire was laid in the shape of a loop from the wharf. AE2 launched from the wharf, traced the cable, and returned to the start position successfully.