Proposals are invited from researchers from Start-ups, Industry, Centre and Academia (subject to satisfying the category mentioned under guidelines) for the execution of projects on the following problem statements:

1. Develop a compact, energy-efficient underwater sensor network for real-time monitoring of oceanographic data, such as temperature, salinity, and pressure, to enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems: The sensor network could be a combination of static and mobile nodes. Key technological challenges include: Reliable data transmission from underwater sensors; Low energy consumption; Coordinated operations; Compact size; Low cost. The proposed solution should be an advancement over existing tools/ instrumentation, and/or enhance indigenous content of hardware.
2. Design an autonomous underwater drone with advanced machine learning capabilities to identify and track marine life, aiding in ecological research and conservation efforts: The AUV envisioned is very small (maybe 1 to 5 kg) and agile. Endurance could be about two hours. Depth rating for shallow waters (about 50 metres). The key technology would be use of AI/ ML to track moving objects in the water, possibly using optical means. Visibility may be augmented by the AUV’s own light(s). Desirable features: Provide a live visual feed to the surface, enabling real-time (from the human control) selection / deselection of the moving objects being tracked.
3. Create a robust, long-endurance underwater communication system using novel techniques like acoustic modems or underwater optical communication, enabling improved data transmission in challenging aquatic environments: This challenge is aimed to indigenously develop hardware for underwater communication. It could be a Doppler Velocity Log, an acoustic modem, or a USBL solution. Exploratory (experimental) studies for non-acoustic techniques for underwater communication may also be demonstrated. Efficient/ novel/ indigenous solutions for combining acoustic (underwater) data transmission with RF transmission (from water surface) may also be developed. Efficient communication equipment & protocols between multiple AUVs could also be developed and demonstrated.
4. Engineer a swarm of collaborative underwater robots capable of performing complex tasks, such as underwater infrastructure inspection or deep-sea exploration, by leveraging distributed sensing and coordination algorithms: The Focus of this problem would be to demonstrate communication and coordination between submerged AUVs (at least four at a time).The AUV’s may be existing/COTS/loaned or could even be made available. The challenge would be to implement solutions to communicate acoustically and undertake coordinated manoeuvres.
5. Investigate and implement energy harvesting solutions, such as underwater solar or kinetic energy capture, to power autonomous underwater vehicles, extending their operational range and reducing the need for frequent battery replacements: Utilise renewable energy from wind/ waves/ sunlight/ salt water / other means to recharge batteries of AUVs. There could be intermediate solutions such as charging a (stationary/ fixed) energy reservoir, which could then be used by AUVs to dock and recharge. Innovative solutions for underwater docking and recharging could be developed and demonstrated. The project proposal could be for any specific aspect for the general problem statement.
6. Apply sensor fusion concepts to develop a compact, pressure-rated (300 meters), hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation sensor that can provide turnkey solution for guidance and navigation information for AUVs and ROVs: This challenge is focused on developing a sensors that for providing positional information of a submerged AUV, moving at slow speeds. Indigenisation of COTS Inertial Measurement Unit and/ or Doppler Velocity Log would be encouraged. Fitment on suitable platform(s) for testing would be facilitated. The project should culminate in indigenous hardware development with maturity for series production.