DARPA is looking for someone to develop a new autonomous underwater drone
that can manipulate objects on the seabed floor, all without input from a human operator.
The so-called “Angler” drone could be useful for all sorts of tasks, from tapping underwater communications cables to salvaging missile debris.
A notice on the U.S. government site Federal Business Opportunities posted by DARPA says the agency is looking for,
“an autonomous undersea robot capable of transiting large distances and physically manipulating objects on the seabed with no communications or human intervention.
”Popular Mechanics
https://www.popularmechanics.co.za/science/darpa-wants-autonomous-drone-can-dirty-work-ocean-floor/
Angler – HR001119S0009 – Federal Business Opportunities:
Synopsis:
Added: Jan 11, 2019 5:10 pm Modified: Jan 24, 2019 10:10 amTrack Changes
Multiple performers will develop an autonomous undersea robot capable of transiting large distances and physically manipulating objects on the seabed with no communications or human intervention.
Key aspects of the Angler program are classified.
For Track A, only proposals addressing the classified aspects of Angler will be eligible for funding under this BAA.
DARPA seeks proposals that present a credible path to a low cost, rapid demonstration of program objectives.