This talk will present some of my group’s research on autonomous ships and marine robotics, with a focus on how basic engineering understanding can help us build intelligent and capable machines for the ocean. Marine robots work in one of the most challenging environments, where waves, currents, turbulence, changing water conditions, and uncertain forces constantly affect their movement. Making a marine robot autonomous is therefore not simply about adding sensors, artificial intelligence, or advanced software; it starts with understanding the vehicle itself; how it produces thrust, how it moves through water, and how it responds when conditions change. The journey begins with propulsion, because the way a vehicle produces thrust directly affects its speed, efficiency, stability, and ability to manoeuvre. Research on marine propellers, including their design, modelling, and experimental testing, shows that good propulsion is not just about producing more thrust, but about finding the right balance between performance, efficiency, stability, and the requirements of a particular mission. This understanding becomes even more important for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), which can move and rotate in different directions while being affected by hydrodynamic forces and ocean disturbances. Examples such as high-speed underwater launch, depth control, and maintaining a fixed position underwater highlight the complexity of underwater motion and the strong connection between propulsion, vehicle dynamics, and control. Tools such as 6 DoF modelling, quaternion-based attitude representation, and realistic propeller models help us better understand and control these movements.

Biography:

Dr. Prasad Vinayak Patil is an Assistant Professor (Grade-I) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus, India, with over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and mentoring. His research is broadly focused on marine robotics and intelligent marine systems, bringing together underwater vehicle dynamics, propulsion, manoeuvring, navigation, control, artificial intelligence, to address practical challenges in complex ocean environments. He completed his PhD at IIT Kharagpur, where his research focused on the dynamics, manoeuvring, and navigation of AUVs, and holds an M.Tech. in Mechatronics from COEP, Pune. His research interests have evolved from fundamental hydrodynamic modelling and marine vehicle dynamics to the design and development of intelligent autonomous systems, including AUVs, surface vehicles, data-driven propulsion systems, and robotic platforms for environmental monitoring and ocean sustainability. At BITS Pilani, he teaches and mentors students in robotics. He supervises undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral researchers and is particularly interested in encouraging interdisciplinary research that connects mechanical engineering, robotics, ocean engineering, and AI. Dr. Patil has published his research in reputed journals and has collaborated with researchers and institutions in India, Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. He also serves as a reviewer for reputed journals, including Ocean Engineering, Brodogradnja etc. He has received recognitions, including the Young Polar Scientist Award 2025.