Theseus: a cable-laying AUV

ISE Research is currently developing Theseus, a long-range AUV specifically designed to investigate technologies and techniques for deploying fiber optic cable on the seafloor in ice-covered waters. Previous sea trials with a test-bed AUV have demonstrated the feasibility of this type of mission. Prior to the operational deployment of Theseus, development is required in several key areas of sub-sea technology: vehicle design, energy storage, navigation, control, cable deployment, logistics and communications. Currently, system-level design of Theseus has been completed and detailed design is underway. This paper gives an overview of the Theseus AUV, outlines its specifications, and describes key technical problems related to cable laying.<<ETX>>