It may seem strange, but mankind knows more about outer space than about the bottom of the oceans. More than two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water, and this enormous part of the globe is becoming more and more important strategically. There are several reasons for this, for example environmental, archeological, industrial, military, resource-related, etc. The more human interest in the underwater world increases, the more scientific and technical discoveries are needed in order to work efficiently in this environment. The first robot that entered the water was completely controlled by humans. Such robots are often used currently in oil-industry environments. A human pilot on a ship controls the robot via a long cable (which can be even several kilometers long!). The robot is equipped with sensors – cameras and sonar devices whose data are accessible to the pilot, who uses them to determine the movement of the robot.

It is clear that this approach has many limitations: the cost of the ship and of the human pilot, the hindrance of the cable, the total lack of consciousness and ability to react on the part of the robot, and the inability to reach certain places (for example beneath ice). A new generation of underwater robots has been conceived, possessing a special characteristic: autonomy. There are nonetheless many levels of autonomy. Autonomy is not a synonym of consciousness, intelligence, or decision-making ability. Each level imparts a distinct nuance, a distinct capability. The first autonomous robots were simply capable of swimming in a previously defined and planned route.

Current research, on the other hand, is aimed at a permanent autonomy, an ability for the robot itself to construct a plan from a mission described at a higher level, to be conscious of its capabilities, and to manage accidents and damage to the extent possible. The entire article, and of course the presentation, will additionally reference several projects, financed by EU sources and the British and Canadian defense ministries, in which the author himself is involved.