The Unmanned Vehicles Laboratory of the University of São Paulo (LVNT-USP) is dedicated to the research and development of remotely operated vehicles and autonomous vehicles, with a primary focus on operation in aquatic environments. In recent years, scientific research in this area has gained relevance, as such vehicles have been applied in oceanographic research, military operations, environmental monitoring, pollution control, and other activities with technological and economic impact.
These vehicles can be classified according to how they carry out their missions. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate independently underwater, without the need for direct human intervention. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) also operate in submerged environments but depend on an umbilical cable that transmits power and commands from a surface operator. In turn, Autonomous Surface Vehicles (USVs or ASVs) perform their missions autonomously on the water’s surface.
At LVNT, in addition to the technological development of these vehicles and their embedded systems — including marinized electronics, software, sensors, and actuators — research is conducted in areas such as hydrodynamics, maneuverability, navigation, and control of AUVs, as well as advanced control techniques applied to ROVs. The laboratory also engages in special projects in partnership with private companies and public institutions, reinforcing LVNT’s strategic role at the interface between science, engineering, and practical application.
Furthermore, the laboratory is part of the Multiuser Center “Applied Geophysics, Mechatronics and Engineering – GAME | USP”, a structure that shares equipment and offers customized services to different sectors. To carry out these activities, LVNT has a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technologists specialized in various areas of underwater technology, ensuring a high technical and scientific level in its contributions.