A synergetic approach to the conceptual design of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

•The complete design of AUV embraces synergetic combination of mechanical, electrical, electronic and control systems.•It has a hydrodynamic design and modular construction.•The vehicle is also fitted with a series of sensors interfaced with the microcontroller.•An obstacle avoidance system using SONAR is also implemented.•Suitable communication is provided within the AUV and with the shore station.

Coastal areas are among the most vulnerable of all regions to global climate change. Projected impacts from global warming include rising sea levels, intensification of tropical cyclones, larger storm surges, increasing sea-surface temperatures, rising sea levels and larger storm surges caused by climate change, etc. These potential hazards threaten human life and property. So, it becomes unavoidable to understand the Ocean systems. Continuous time series observation is essential and development of innovative Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with suite of sensors would be very necessary. In order to address these ocean related problems, this paper introduces a new approach to the design of such interdisciplinary systems that are functionally complex in structure.