Autonomy Challenge

Teams are challenged with tasks that showcase AUV performance through autonomous behaviors designed to represent research and real-world applications.

Qualifying Round: Multiple courses are available for teams to practice, demonstrate proficiency, and qualify for the Semi-Finals Round. Each course includes all tasks. Teams may schedule times to practice or qualify on these courses. Teams are also given the option to pre-qualify prior to arriving on-site at the competition with a recorded pre-qualification maneuver.

Semi-Finals Round: Teams that qualify for the Semi-Finals gain access to the Semi-Finals Courses. Teams operating on the Semi-Finals Courses will earn points towards entry into the Finals Round. During the Semi-Finals Round, teams may attempt tasks in any order and must operate autonomously for the entire run.

Finals Round: During the Finals Round, successful completion of the full Finals Course requires the AUV to use information from multiple task elements. During the Finals, teams many attempt tasks in any order and must operate autonomously for the entire run.

Environmental Monitoring: Protect the Deep

Dedicated to restoring balance in marine ecosystems, Protect the Deep deploys autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) to monitor ocean life with baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), tags key species to track their movement and migration, and conducts ocean cleanup operations to protect and restore critical marine habitats.

Course Layout

For a breakdown of each task, review the Team Handbook.