Microfluidics for Micro-AUVs

This project will develop and test microfluidic systems that can be deployed aboard small robot submarines (micro-AUVs) to sample and analyse aquatic chemistry. AUVs are normally equipped with sensors and/or imaging equipment to perform tasks in remote marine locations without human interaction (e.g. determine water quality, inspect underwater structures, survey unexplored areas of sea floor) and come in many different sizes. The smallest are typically 1m in length and are referred to as "micro-AUVs" (e.g. those made by ecoSub and Seaber). Their small size and low cost means they can be deployed by a single person and in large numbers, however, it also means there is limited power and payload-space - hence there is a strong requirement that micro-AUV sensors are small and low-powered. This project will explore how a new type of microfluidic nitrate sensor, small and low-powered, can be adapted to micro-AUVs. In practice this will involve design, fabrication, and optimisation of microfluidic sub-components (e.g. pumps and valves for sampling and manipulating water, optical flow cells, manifolds etc.) mechanical and electronic interfacing with a micro-AUV (specifically an ecoSub 5), lab testing of the sensor independent of - and integrated with - the AUV, and testing in the field. The applicant will work with academics and technicians within the University, as well as external academic collaborators (e.g. at National Oceanography Centre) and industrial collaborators (ecoSub).