AUV software family

that works together, diving deep

The control stack for the E/Xplorer AUV, version 1.0

BECOME A BUILDER OPEN IN PARTBASE

Dolphin Control

Laptop running Dolphin Control with telemetry, map, missions, and steering controls

GROUND CONTROL

Dolphin Control

A cross-platform command centre for manual control, mission control, and mission management. Connected to the radio box via USB, this desktop commander is internally known as Taxi.

Radio box with antenna and USB cable for connecting Dolphin Control

macOS, Windows, Linux · Builder's membership

Taxi in Partbase
Map box in Dolphin Control
Sonar gauge box in Dolphin Control
Mission control box in Dolphin Control

Vector Dolphin

ONBOARD

Clear dry compartment tube housing Vector Dolphin electronics and batteries

Vector Dolphin is Python software that runs in the background on the Raspberry Pi Zero. It uses the power of a Linux-based system for fast calculations and reliable data acquisition. This main brain of the AUV is connected to several separate modules that gather data, control the motors, and communicate with the base. The modular design makes it easy to customise the base craft with advanced sensors and more powerful transmitters, without any changes to the main Dolphin software.

Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W / Zero W 2 · Builder's membership

Line drawing of the E/Xplorer AUV hull, thrusters, and stern

Main modules in the ecosystem

We use the reliability of Arduinos to connect Vector Dolphin with the physical world.

Diagram of LoRa radio linking the AUV to a Pro Mini serial module

FIRMWARE

Radio Module

The radio module allows the craft to communicate with the base, sending and receiving data, control settings, and more.

Arduino Sketch on Pro Mini

Diagram of the GPS module firmware on Arduino Pro Mini

FIRMWARE

GPS Module

Precise positioning is essential for navigation above and under water. That is exactly what this module is responsible for — and it does it well.

Arduino Pro Mini

Diagram of the motor and sensor module firmware on Arduino MEGA Mini

FIRMWARE

Motor/Sensor Module

This module moves the craft in 3D space by controlling the rudders and motors, with continuous help from precise sensor measurements.

Arduino MEGA Mini

Diagram of the I2C sensors module firmware on Arduino Nano

FIRMWARE

I2C Sensors Module

This auxiliary board specialises in handling all I2C-interfaced sensors with precision. It is separate, clean, and easy to maintain.

Arduino NANO

One board for it all

Fewer wires, less mess.

Top of the interface PCB with Raspberry Pi Zero and Arduino modules

TOP

Bottom of the interface PCB with Arduino Nano and MEGA 2560 PRO

BOTTOM

Dolphin Cloud

ONLINE

Dolphin Cloud

An online mission creator and library. Plan AUV missions, store survey datasets, and send work down to Taxi on the desktop.

Free online app · Register and log in

Open Cloud app
Dolphin Cloud home page for AUV mission planning and survey analysis
GPS point entry in Dolphin Cloud
Mission creation in Dolphin Cloud
Missions list in Dolphin Cloud

Dolphin communication triangle

The three main software components working together

Diagram of Dolphin Control, Vector Dolphin, and Dolphin Cloud working together

BUILDER'S MEMBERSHIP

The full software package to control and run the AUV

Dolphin, Taxi, the Arduino modules, and Cloud mission tools are included in the Builder's Membership. Cloud itself is free to try after you register.

SEE MEMBERSHIP PRICING