Low power, non-intrusive 3D localization for underwater mobile robots

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Suryansh Sharma (TU Delft - Networked Systems)

Daniel Van Paassen (Student TU Delft)

R. Prasad (TU Delft - Networked Systems)

Kaushik Chowdhury (The University of Texas at Austin)

Research Group
Networked Systems
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44172-025-00422-5
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Networked Systems
Issue number
1
Volume number
4
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Abstract

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) face persistent challenges in localization compared to their counterparts on the ground due to limitations with methods like Global Positioning System (GPS). We propose a novel system for localization, Pisces, that leverages the Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Received Signal Strength Ratio (RSSR) of robot-mounted blue LED signals. This method provides a spectrally efficient training-free solution for estimating 3D underwater positions. The system remains effective despite high water turbidity with a relatively low impact on marine life compared to similar acoustic methods. Pisces is less complex, computationally efficient, and uses less power than camera-based solutions. Pisces enables robust relative localization, especially in swarms of robots with the potential for additional applications like docking. We demonstrate high localization accuracy with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.031 m at 0.32 m separation and 0.16 m MAE at 1 m separation. Moreover, it achieved this with minimal power consumption, utilizing only 11 mA of transmitter LED current and performing 3D localization within 10 ms for distances up to 3 m.