UWCS changes the way underwater vehicles recharge and communicate. By combining wireless power transfer with a wireless data link, it eliminates the need for traditional physical connectors and tethered connections in autonomous systems. A vehicle can easily dock itself and begin charging and syncing data.

We developed this system together with WiBotic, who have a lot of experience in wireless charging systems. We see UWCS opening new possibilities for:

• Swarm robotics, where manual charging is impractical.
• Autonomous systems research and resident vehicles.
• Docking solutions for inspection and aquaculture.
• A wet-mateable connector replacement that avoids wear and failure.

UWCS has two main hardware systems that work together to deliver wireless power and data underwater:

• Transmitter (dock side) – The transmitter connects to a DC power source and generates a high-frequency wireless power signal. This signal travels to the transmit coil that creates an electrical field that transfers power wirelessly. The transmitter and the transmit coil are the “dock” part of the system and can be mounted vertically or horizontally to make it simple for vehicles to line up and start charging. Because it supplies wireless power rather than a fixed DC voltage, a single transmitter can support a diverse fleet of vehicles.
• Onboard Charger (vehicle side) – The vehicle is equipped with a small onboard charger connected to a receive coil. This circuit collects the wireless power from the receive coil and converts it back into a usable DC voltage. The onboard charger is a fully programmable battery charger that follows the correct charge cycles for a wide range of batteries, including all lithium chemistries. Operators can tune output voltage and current to optimize charging for any battery onboard.

To charge, the vehicle docks the receive coil into the transmit coil to begin wireless power transfer up to 150 W. A separate set of coils in the same housing creates a data connection for communication via Ethernet between the vehicle and the dock to offload data or provide updated mission instructions.

The whole system is controlled using the WiBotic Control Panel, a web-based interface hosted on the transmitter accessed over the local network or over the internet. It lets operators monitor live charging, adjust charging parameters like voltage and current, and manage multiple vehicles in a fleet.

UWCS is still in its early stages, and we’re opening up a limited number of prototype units for early access. Our goal is to explore and learn how wireless power and data can expand what’s possible in underwater robotics, from aquaculture to research, to applications we haven’t even imagined yet.

Testers will receive a UWCS prototype unit at no cost, in exchange for their time and feedback. All requirements for the program are outlined in the application form.

If you’d like to be part of this program, sign up here.