nsf-mri-project











NSF Project: Development of an Underwater Mobile Testbed Using a Software-Defined Networking Architecture

Project Objectives

We aim to develop an underwater mobile testbed using a software-defined networking (SDN) architecture. The envisioned testbed consists of different types of aquatic vehicles. The SDN structure support the capability to reconfigure and reprogram the network. Through-water acoustic communications are used under the sea surface for data reporting and vehicle control. Above the water surface, the RF links, through mature in-air wireless technologies, covers the footprint of the entire AUV fleet and support high data rate exchanges above the sea surface. Localization and navigation are integrated in the SDN architecture. The key advantage of the testbed is to use integrated communications and control to achieve high rate AUV data reporting and reliable control.  The AUVs use the acoustic control link to report back various status information, to close the SDN control loop. The testbed will be designed to achieve cost-effectiveness and flexibility. It is expected to become a stable instrument that is accessible by multiple research communities that include ocean acoustics, communication and networking, robotics, oceanography and environmental sciences.

Research  Methodology

We use both commercially-available AUVs and self-developed compact underwater robots to develop an underwater mobile testbed. With commercial AUVs, we will deploy in the realistic environment, for example a local lake. With compact robots, both underwater and surface, we achieve cost-effectiveness in development and deployment. At both the University of Alabama and Georgia Tech, undergraduates are involved in developing multiple types of aquatic vehicles.

Current Efforts

Our efforts so far are focused on instrument purchase, vehicle development, sensor integration, and field tests. Details activities are listed below:
1) Purchase of a mid-size AUV and acoustic modems. The vehicle is an Eco-Mapper with extended payload module, which supports easy integration with an acoustic modem and its transducer.
2) Test of the acoustic modems in the lab environment. We have three acoustic modem units that are reprogrammable. The units are being tested in the lab environment.
3) Integration of acoustic modems on the AUV.
4) Development of multiple types of aquatic vehicles, including micro-AUVs and two types of surface vehicles, at Georgia Tech and the University of Alabama.

Outreach and Educational Activities

Our project outreach activities include:

  • Interactions with K-12 students through classroom visits by the PI or lab visits by the young students during community events.
  • Graduate and undergraduate researchers supporting the MATHCOUNTS Tuscaloosa competition.
  • Partnership with a sororities group, Alpha Omega Epsilon, to attract female students to STEM disciplines.

Project personnel at the University of Alabama

Dr. Aijun Song, PI
Dr. Fei Hu, Co-PI
Dr. Yang-Ki Hong, Co-PI
Hahnemann Mondal, Graduate student

Project personnel at Georgia Tech

Dr. Fumin Zhang, PI
Qiuyang Tao, Graduate student