Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a vehicle which is operated under water and does not require any human efforts for its operation. It has a capability to function according to the preprogramed instructions which are imbibed within. Autonomous under water vehicles are mainly used to map the seafloors, examine physical and biological properties of water, detecting the lost ship, pipeline inspection or for navy purposes. These vehicles are mainly used for calculating the depths of ocean and for submarine navigation.

After the completion of any given task or mission, AUVs has an ability to automatically return to its preprogramed location where data collected by them is administered in the similar format to shipboard systems or vessels. These vehicles are capable of going to places where humans cannot go and thus offers a great help to mankind.

The benefits offered by these vehicles include low maintenance costs, preprogrammed navigation, stability, etc. They are self-powered and self-guiding vehicles and therefore do not require high expenditure on its power as they carry their own energy sources.

Autonomous underwater vehicles are deployed for investigation activities for under water surveying applications such as pipe surveys in the oil & gas industries.  

Market Drivers

Increasing Capital Expenditure by Companies in Offshore Oil & Gas Industry

Opportunities in front of AUVs are if research activities in oil and gas industry increase, it is expected to surge the need of autonomous underwater vehicle in the years to come. In North America, mainly in the U.S., there is a considerable demand for autonomous underwater vehicle for its defense purposes. Also, the presence of prominent market players like Boston Engineering Corporation, and General Dynamics Deep Ocean Engineering supports the regional growth. 

The government bodies in the U.S. are spending significant amount on sea water monitoring, which in turn is expected to increase the demand for autonomous underwater vehicles during the forecast period from 2021 to 2030. For instance, in August 2019, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, a leading provider of autonomous underwater vehicle received a contract from the U.S. government to deliver the vehicles till December 2024. The overall value of the contract is valued at $22.2 Mn. Moreover, in other regions like Asia Pacific, the growing GDP and increasing demand from navy and military sector in India and China is creating opportunities for the autonomous underwater vehicles. For instance, in July 2018, India navy launched an autonomous underwater vehicle, named Adamya, which is 5 meters long and has an underwater endurance of 8 hours with a speed of 4 knots and is capable of diving up to 1500 feet. The autonomous underwater vehicle can be launched from submarine torpedo tube and also from surface ships. Adamya is proficient of undertaking missions like offshore survey, mine detection, environmental monitoring and antisubmarine operations.

Challenges

Slow underwater survey speed resulting from use of acoustic communication technology

However, one of the major challenge in front of autonomous underwater vehicle is communication. Transferring information in the form of electromagnetic waves becomes quite difficult and the sound waves in shallow water is affected by temperature. Also, these vehicles incessantly face problem of maintaining accurate position under the water bodies.

In addition, when the vehicle is in mid depth of the water body or goes beyond the required depth, the GPS system fails to provide the location and time information which thereby affects the communication process. As a result, providing the accuracy in terms of location is one of the major challenge in front of the manufacturers of autonomous underwater vehicles. Moreover, many unpredictable disturbances may tend to occur in the vehicle due to changes in weather conditions, wind and ocean current.

Restraint

High Operational Costs of AUVs

High operational cost of AUVs is a key factor that is expected to could hamper market revenue growth during the forecast period. AUVs are high-priced maritime systems and the cost of deploying these for exploration or surveying missions is high which increases the overall cost of mission.

Opportunity

Increasing use of AUVs for Mine disposal & Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations

In the recent years, the Autonomous Underwater Vehicles have got a lot of attention from the military sector. Traditionally, the Militaries have been using AUVs for applications such as inspection, seabed mapping, and Security & Surveillance. But recently, with the advancements in the AUV propulsion systems, size, capabilities, payload systems, etc., the AUVs have also been used for dangerous missions such as Mine Disposal, Anti-submarine Warfare.

However, with the advancements in the technology, continuous changes and developments are made with respect to the communication and navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles. 

Some of autonomous underwater vehicle manufactures are but not limited to:

Ocean Server Technology, Inc., International Submarine Engineering Ltd., Kongsberg Maritime AS, Atlas Elektronik Group GmbH, ECA Group and Others.

Historical & Forecast Period

This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2022 to 2032 considering 2023 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.

The current report comprises of quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends and technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.

Research Methodology

The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. key data point that enables the estimation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market are as follows:

• Research and development budgets of manufacturers and government spending
• Revenues of key companies in the market segment
• Number of end users and consumption volume, price and value.
• Geographical revenues generate by countries considered in the report
• Micro and macro environment factors that are currently influencing the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market and their expected impact during the forecast period.

Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.

Key questions answered in this report

• What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market?
• What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?
• Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2032.
• Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?
• Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?
• Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market?
• Which is the largest regional market for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market?
• What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa?
• Which are the key trends driving Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market growth?
• Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market worldwide?