Underwater 3-D laser scanners are an essential type of sensors used by unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for operations such as inspection, navigation, and object recognition and manipulation. During the last years our research team has worked on the design and development of a novel 3-D Micro-ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) Laser scanner (MEMLS) , which uses a 2-axis mirror to project straight lines into the water by compensating for refraction-related distortions. This is achieved by projecting optimally curved lines, so that the refraction when they enter the water transforms them into straight lines. The relevance of this approach lies in the fact that this laser scanner is able to: 1) get rid of refracted distortion allowing for the 3-D triangulation using planes is noticeably faster than using elliptic cones, and 2) get rid of the motion induced distortion through their integration with an INS-DVL navigation system. Therefore they can be used during hovering as well as during motion, making them perfect candidates for cartography and inspection.
Currently, a MEMLS prototype developed during the COOPERAMOS spanish research project in the context of a Phd thesis is already available. This prototype has been validated at TRL4 (Technology validated in the lab) and it is protected through an already granted patent.
Many potential sectors could benefit from such technology, saving vast amounts of time and money in their periodic inspections, maintenance routines, studies or investigations, and in general contributing towards more efficient and safe production/operation in underwater environments.
Thus, the goal of this proposal is to turn this research into a user-oriented product and find the best commercialization model to bring the product to the market. We believe that by adapting the existing technology into a user-oriented product with the appropriate commercialization model we can innovate a vast number of underwater-related markets.
