UlyX

Completely autonomous exploration of the seafloor

-6,000 m

maximum dive depth

50–80

km² of area mapped using sonar

24–48 hrs

unrivalled range

This autonomous underwater vehicle is a technological marvel. It carries out its mission without the help of an operator. Thanks to its data analysis algorithms, it explores its environment actively, adjusting its path based on the clues it picks up. UlyX is powered by batteries.

Characteristics

Length

4.5 m

Height

1.2 m

Weight

2.8 t

Maximum speed

4 knots

Thrusters

Energy

28 kWh

Resolution

1 mm (optical imaging) & 10 cm (sonar mapping)

First dive

2020

View full details on the French oceanographic fleet website

Missions

Sensors for all the sciences

A valuable tool for all the ocean sciences, this robot is equipped with a large number of sensors – for understanding the morphology of the seafloor or analysing the chemistry of the water, for example. Its navigation sensors are extremely accurate so that the data gathered can be located on a map.

Seeing the seafloor in detail

Unlike the AsterX and IdefX autonomous robots, UlyX can stay in one place in the water. Hovering near the seafloor, its camera, with a powerful flash, can capture very high-resolution images. The laser profiler highlights the relief in detail.

Mapping the depths of the ocean

UlyX is the only autonomous vehicle in the French oceanographic fleet capable of diving as deep as the remote-controlled robot Victor 6000 and the manned submarine Nautile. With its onboard sensors, it identifies interesting sites while Victor 6000, Ariane and the Nautile closely inspect the seafloor.

The AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) at the surface of the Mediterranean.

Man sitting in front of a machine with a laptop on his knees.

Nicolas Gobillot

Ifremer | Engineer

To save energy, it optimises its propulsion and adjusts its weight actively, taking in and expelling water like a fish.

UlyX in pictures

UlyX