Por: Por: Francisco Cuéllar, Jorge Ramírez y Diego Quiroz, Tumi Robotics y José Balbuena, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

Abstract

This paper presents the design, implementation and validation of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), capable of collecting information on water quality and measuring bathymetry parameters in inland water bodies in Peru. The vehicle was developed with the objective of becoming a tool for monitoring pollution in aquatic environments and monitoring submerged infrastructure, thus improving conventional methods and techniques. 

The USV includes: a video system, which improves maneuverability over long distances; a multi-parameter probe for measuring temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity and dissolved organic matter; a bathymetric sensor for volume analysis; GPS for positioning; and a base station that creates a local wireless network through which data is transmitted and received. The validation tests that allowed analyzing the correct performance of the device were carried out in lakes located in the Peruvian highlands at an altitude above 4000 m.a.s.l.