TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Tuesday visited the College of Marine Sciences at National Sun Yat-sen University to review its R&D achievements in underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and AI-controlled platforms.
During the tour, Hsiao praised the university’s advancements in autonomous surface and underwater vessels, as well as sensing technologies. She highlighted potential applications in marine conservation, fisheries, and underwater exploration, adding that the innovations also offer promising prospects for national defense, per CNA.
Hsiao said the university’s ocean research serves as a foundation for Taiwan’s maritime exploration efforts. She encouraged research teams to continue developing both manned and unmanned vehicles and suggested strengthening capabilities through international collaboration.
National Sun Yat-sen University, working with the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute, CSBC Corp., Jong Shyn Shipbuilding, and National Defense University, has developed the nation’s first two-seater submarine prototype. The vehicle has undergone more than 10 sea trials and is being upgraded with next-generation manufacturing technologies. A deep-sea simulation chamber was also built for pressure-resistance testing.
The same institutions have deployed manned and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for wind and ocean current power generation, submarine mineral resource surveys, and underwater rescue missions.
In 2022, the university developed Taiwan’s first mini-submarine, which completed a two-hour autonomous dive during real-sea testing off the coast of Xiaoliuqiu. The two-seater sub reached depths of 10 to 20 meters.
In 2021, the university established the Research Center for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Technologies. The facility focuses on key technologies, including sonar, navigation, AI-powered recognition, communication systems, underwater charging, and coordinated control of multiple vehicles. These efforts have led to the development of autonomous and remotely operated sensing systems.
The university also developed an underwater vehicle capable of operating at depths of up to 4,000 meters, equipped with advanced photography and mapping functions. In 2017, it launched an underwater vehicle that captured over 300 hours of deep-sea footage, collecting data on marine ecosystems and mineral resources within Taiwan’s waters.
