Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are robotic devices designed to explore and gather data from the ocean without direct human control. They can navigate underwater using pre-programmed routes or sensors, making them valuable for tasks like mapping the sea floor, studying marine life, and monitoring environmental changes. These vehicles are equipped with various tools, such as cameras and sonar, to collect information about underwater ecosystems. AUVs play a crucial role in research conducted by scientists and organizations like NOAA and NASA, helping us understand the mysteries of the ocean and its impact on our planet.