Abstract The integration of cytometers with autonomous surface and underwater vehicles can facilitate a more thorough understanding of ocean plankton types and their spatiotemporal distribution. This paper reviews existing and emerging cytometers that could potentially be
integrated, with an eye toward constraints and capabilities. Vehicles have payload size and power constraints that must be considered when evaluating instrument designs for payload integration. The candidate cytometer capabilities, including dynamic range for particle-size detection, must
also be taken into account to accomplish mission goals.