CARL is an autonomous underwater vehicle designed by researchers Peter Gunnarson and John O. Dabiri, this robot uses vortex rings, the spinning pockets of water, to move efficiently, reducing energy use by nearly 80%. Instead of constantly using its motors, CARL detects and rides these natural flows.
CARL is equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a sensor that detects motion and acceleration, allowing it to sense nearby vortex rings. When it detects a strong enough water current, it swims into it and lets the flow carry it forward. This technique, tested in a 1.5-meter-deep and 5-meter-long water tank, helped CARL travel across the tank just like how a bird gilds with the help of the wind.
The researchers believe that this vortex surfing technique could help future autonomous underwater vehicles move more efficiently in oceans and rivers, reducing power consumption for deep-sea exploration, environmental monitoring, and marine research.
