Robot built from household junk could detect underwater mines

Seven students from University of the West of England were responsible for designing and building the 20,000 pound underwater robot from household junk, an Internet router and car spare parts, the Daily Mail reported.

The camera on the vehicle came from a PlayStation 3, a broadband router was used as well as fan guards from an old computer and a reversing light from a Land Rover.

The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) uses sensors and sonar to map out where it is and carry out pre-programmed tasks.

The robots are used primarily for defence purposes such as mine detection, but could also be used for inspecting oil rigs or cleaning the base structures of sea wind farms. The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle uses sensors and sonar to map out where it is and carry out pre-programmed tasks.

Contending at an international competition for AUVs at La Spezia in Italy this week, Team leader Gareth Griffiths said "Currently there is a human element in detecting mines which is both dangerous and very costly."

"Wherever possible we have recycled materials to ensure that we are working to a sustainable agenda," Griffiths added. "A key part of the challenge is to build an AUV that will be robust enough to cope with a fairly hostile environment yet incorporating sophisticated equipment in a watertight and lightweight encasement," he said.

AUVs are required to operate in environments such as murky deep waters and need to be equipped with tracking and vision sensors that enable safe, accurate movement.