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Underwater robots, such as AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) are used for a variety of important jobs like exploring the ocean or inspecting underwater cables. These AUVs, though, have one big constraint: they are hard to just pick up and launch easily, in particular from small boats or remote locations. This is where small magnetometer modules can be useful. Magnetometers assist the AUV in knowing which way it is facing by measuring the Earth’s magnetic field. Seaward’s mini magnetometer modules are small, yet effective sensors that help AUVs remain lightweight while still being able to navigate accurately. Since these modules are small and lightweight, they remove a barrier to deploying AUVs on missions where every pound makes a difference. This article discusses why these miniature underwater magnetometer modules fundamentally change lightweight AUV functionality, and why, with a requirement for many sensors, they are ideal for the heavy-hitters in the volume market.
How Small Magnetometer Modules Are Changing the Game for Light AUV Deployment?
The first concern people have when they think about sending AUVs underwater is how heavy and big the equipment is. Heavy AUVs need bigger ships or special cranes to launch, and that costs more money and makes things harder. That is all old news with Seaward’s compact magnetometer modules. These underwater magnetic sensor modules are way smaller and lighter than our old sensors, so even the whole AUV can be smaller and lighter: it is the difference between a big backpack and a small purse for AUV builders.
The various components of a magnetometer system are not cheap, and for companies or institutions purchasing dozens (or hundreds) of sensors at once, selecting the appropriate magnetometer module is far from straightforward. Seaward knows this because we spend a lot of time talking to people who buy sensors, and we know what they want. Our economic subsea electromagnetic systems modules are affordable in a way that doesn't mean pinching quality. When buying in bulk, price is important, but how well the sensors work and hold up is also. Our modules are constructed to maintain accuracy over the long run, even in harsh environments such as salt water or extreme temperatures.
How to Select The Ideal Light Weight AUV Compact Magnetometer Module?
When you’re looking to select the right compact magnetometer module for a small Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), there are several things to consider. A magnetometer is a device that assists the AUV in understanding what direction it is facing by utilizing measurements of the Earth’s magnetic field. Because AUVs are not remotely managed by humans and navigate autonomously underwater, having a good magnetometer enables the robot to stay on course. At Seaward, we know it’s important to make AUVs light and small so the vehicle can travel faster and consume less energy. So, when selecting a magnetometer module, you want to try to find one that is small and light but extremely accurate.
What Are the Major Benefits of Compact Magnetometer Modules in AUVs?
There are many advantageous reasons to incorporate small magnetometer modules in AUVs. At Seaward, we specialize in designing small and light magnetometers that improve AUVs capabilities in the water. This is one of the major advantages in terms of weight, these modules make the AUV lighter. Lighter AUVs can move faster and consume less energy. That means the AUV can roam below surface waters for longer stretches without having to return to the surface to recharge. Light AUVs are also easier to transport and launch from boats or shore, making missions easier and less expensive.
Optimizing AUV Design with Lightweight COTS Magnetometer Modules
In the world of AUVs, making a system work to its best level with the least unnecessary weight and power is called optimize. The mean to achieve this is by using Seaward´s compact magnetometer modules, a type of the world smallest magnetometers. These modules are largely responsible for assisting the AUV in underwater navigation, making good integration of these parts quite critical. First, decide where to locate the magnetometer within the AUV. And it should obviously be nowhere near parts that generate magnetic fields or electrical noise, such as motors or batteries. This allows the magnetometer to better measure the Earth’s magnetic field and obtain clearer direction data. Small modules mean it’s easier to find a good spot, since they don’t need as much space and can be squeezed into tight areas in the boat.