A Bio-Inspired MEMS Wake Detector for AUV Tracking and Coordinated Formation

Abstract

AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) coordinated formation can expand the detection range, improve detection efficiency, and complete complex tasks, which requires each AUV to have the ability to track and locate. A wake detector provides a new technical approach for AUV cooperative formation warfare. Now, most of the existing artificial lateral line detectors are for one-dimensional flow field applications, which are difficult to use for wake detection of AUVs. Therefore, based on the pressure gradient sensing mechanism of the canal neuromasts, we apply Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology to develop a lateral line-inspired MEMS wake detector. The sensing mechanism, design, and fabrication are demonstrated in detail. Experimental results show the detector’s sensitivity is 147 mV·(m/s)−1, and the detection threshold is 0.3 m/s. In addition, the vector test results verify it has vector-detecting capacity. This wake detector can serve AUVs wake detection and tracking technology, which will be promising in AUV positioning and coordinated formation.