Evolution and prospects of underwater robot competition in Japan

This paper deals with the history of Japan's Underwater Robot Competitions and its future prospects. In Japan, an underwater robot festival was first held in October 2006. At present, such competitions take place twice a year in the Tokyo and Kobe/Kita-Kyushu areas. The AUV division sets various missions such as line-tracking, buoy-touching and designated-area landing. The mission of the Free-style division is presentation of a vehicle's distinctive performance. The mission of the Junior and Senior High School Students division is gate-passing, treasure-hunting, and pseudo-deep-sea expeditions. The NPO ‘Japan Underwater Robot Network’ aims to realise regional eliminations and international competitions in the near future.