Design of USV for Search and Rescue in Shallow Water

Growing interests in Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) for Search and Rescue missions associated with both oceans and shallow waters have increased for last five years. Researchers found that these disaster robotic boats can contribute to the successful rate of search mission. Currently there are no standards structure of the SAR boat in regards to its speed, stability and load capacity. In this project, we propose a modified single chine twin hull catamaran design for the USV. In the proof-of-concept prototype, an adaptation of PID control system integrated in the robotics algorithms is applied to provide light speed maneuverability and stability. The USV is equipped with an artificial intelligence module to seek and pinpoint the location of drowning victims and a localization system that allows the USV to reach targeted location. Synthesis of these systems and technology proves a successful deployment of the USV. Experiment shows that the prototype has a good potential to be further developed.