Scientific and technological advancements have allowed many maritime nations around the world to accelerate research on the potential of marine resources in their territorial waters, leading to more precise and effective policies. The importance of research, conservation, and exploitation of marine resources requires autonomy and localization of research infrastructure, in line with the Vietnamese Strategy for Sustainable Maritime Economic Development by 2030, with a vision for 2045.
The need for marine research instruments In addition to traditional methods and tools, several countries worldwide have applied new technologies to marine research, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and satellite remote sensing. These technologies offer benefits like the ability to dive deeper and longer, and access inaccessible areas to humans or other submersible vessels. Furthermore, these digital tools provide more comprehensive and precise data, allowing real-time prediction of potential events within the research area.
Scientists from the Institute of Marine and Island Environmental Sciences (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) have stated that AUVs have been under research and development by many maritime countries worldwide since the 1970s, aiming to replace conventional or remotely operated submersibles. Today, with the advancement of materials and cybernetic integration, AUVs are designed and manufactured in many countries. These cutting-edge AUVs are capable of operating in various environments, offering multiple benefits, from environmental monitoring to topographic surveys, surveillance, and high-sea research and rescue operations.
The project to research and produce a fully Vietnamese AUV is a product included in the list of strategic technologies and technological products according to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg dated June 12, 2025; it is part of a research project carried out by a group of scientists funded by the VINIF Technological Development Fund.
AUVs used for marine research can be equipped with digital audio communication systems, allowing operators to pilot them thousands of meters away and at depths of several tens of meters. Specialized sonar technology (acoustic navigation and positioning) is integrated into an image scanning system using antenna arrays to increase data processing speed, providing high-quality images and monitoring movements of the seabed.
Advanced positioning technology allows control of AUVs through kinematic control models and kinematic equations to calculate optimal movement strategies, countering disturbances caused by water currents…
Mastering basic technologies step by step. According to Dr. Du Van Toan from the Institute of Marine and Island Environmental Sciences, the research project aims to design an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to study natural conditions in the marine environment. The AUV prototype includes mechanical design, hull, steering and balancing systems, active sonar, high-resolution underwater camera, digital sonar information system, and integrated sensors. These AUVs are tasked with collecting marine environmental parameters and transmitting data to a central monitoring center for environmental monitoring and marine scientific research purposes.
Scientists say that throughout the project, the AUV model studied by the team will be constantly updated with the world’s most advanced technologies. For example, Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) combined with Multiple Input and Output (MIMO) technology enhances underwater acoustic communication capabilities.
Taking the example of sonar technology applications, used for submarines, offshore fishing vessels, and archaeology. Other than its waterproof design, the combination of antenna arrays, autonomous propulsion mechanisms, and data processing systems poses a challenge for the Vietnamese research team working on autonomous underwater drones (AUVs). This marks the first steps towards technological autonomy in marine research, following the Vietnamese Strategy for Sustainable Maritime Economic Development.
The first trials of the national underwater drone project (AUV) have shown that scientists can master key technologies by controlling the engine’s operation and maintaining basic technical parameters. One of the major scientific contributions of the project lies in designing and developing an AUV prototype paired with an underwater sonar communication system for data exchange between the AUV and a control station. The data observation and processing center, designed according to hybrid Internet of Things standards, can process millions of results in record time.
However, the challenges faced by scientists in implementing the project stem not from the application of science and technology, but from policies that are not truly favorable to them. Whether it is physical infrastructure, scientific and technical human resources, cooperation mechanisms, or technology transfer, these factors hinder research, production, and dissemination of AUVs.
The success of research and development work on the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) prototype, combined with a control station, will pave the way for further research on digital transformation and the application of science and technology to marine research. Ultimately, mastering the key technologies of this device will form the foundation for scientific research on seas and oceans and enable the commercialization of underwater positioning and navigation solutions for autonomous vehicles, integrating advanced scientific and technological applications.
