The UUVS, which is more or less conference-oriented, gave an update on the progress of developments in this field. Eighteen papers covered military, technology and applications and ocean science sessions and were presented by experts of five differing nationalities. The attendance of delegates - often standing room only - showed the amount of interest for these papers and approved the programme formulated by a committee of experts drawn from the UUV industry and academia chaired by Gwyn Griffiths of the SOC.

The Conference
Presentations with question time, the stands, breaks and the very well attended conference dinner offered ample opportunity for discussion and exchange of views on the problems and opportunities of UUVs. The military session, which included seven papers, clearly showed the military value of UUVs, not only for covert operations and rapid environmental assessment but also for such things as MCM-operations. Several tests have showed AUVs performing better than mine-hunters in the detection of mines. The number of military participants was, however, relatively low considering the efficiency gains to be achieved using AUVs.
The technology and applications session clearly showed the state of the art and the big advantages offered by UUVs, ranging from tiny AUVs to the ROV workhorses with their impressive figures on bollard pull. Also covered were the challenges and ideas for improvement. Communications, drag, endurance and launching and recovering aspects were covered here.
The ocean science session touched on glider technology and its future with fleets of gliders, MBS mapping (algorithms) and the role of the AUV in future scientific research. Manufacturers must have been satisfied to hear the enthusiasm of scientists concerning results already achieved. These covered not only data but also positioning accuracy and included a look into the near future on new projects and scientific possibilities, e.g. a Hybrid ROV to be used as an ROV or an AUV when equipped with an extra battery sledge, at up to 11,000 metres depth.
The conference proceedings may be ordered from Spearhead Exhibitions at www.uuvs.net for the price of £75 plus VAT and postage.

The Exhibition
Alongside the conference an exhibition was held in the SOC-buildings around the conference room. Quite a lot of UUVs were displayed, ranging from small ones like the Navajo from sub-Atlantic to the well-known Autosub from SOC.
The SOC entrance was well marked by ASV Ltd displaying its SASS (Survey Autonomous Semi-Submersible Vehicle) as a replacement for survey ships.
UUVs were not the only products on display, as exhibitors came also from survey and offshore inspection companies and subcontractors of components and software.
Tritech displayed its new, very miniature sonar Tritech Micron and to emphasise its size showed its results on a palmtop. From Seacon, with switches and connectors to CodaOctopus, was the 3D EchoScope 1600-software. However, not everyone was there; for example, I missed the new Fugro-Boeing developments.

Next Year
The UUVS, now a yearly event, shows that UUVS has grown into a business serving the commercial, military and scientific worlds. The 6th UUVS will be held in the Southampton Oceanographic Centre on 22nd and 23rd September 2004. Many exhibitors have already booked their stand.