The Autosub Underwater Probe

The Autosub is an advanced submersible robot. It was built and designed by the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom. This robotic, unmanned submarine is capable of running pre-programmed missions up to a length of 40 hours. The Autosub performs these tasks by running a program, and traveling underwater powered by torch batteries. It operates without human intervention. The scientists needed the Autosub because it was capable of traveling under ice in the Southern Ocean, where it was too cold for humans to spend an extended period of time. With the help of the Autosub, scientists discovered a major food source under ice in the Southern Ocean.