What Is Marine Robotics?
Marine robotics refers to the field of autonomous or remotely operated robotic systems designed for use in marine environments, such as oceans, seas, and water bodies. These robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other instruments to perform tasks like underwater exploration, data collection, maintenance, and research in the marine ecosystem.
Types Of Marine Robotics
When it comes to marine robotics, two significant categories stand out: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Let’s delve into these series of marine robotics:
AUV Series (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles)
An Underwater Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) robot is a self-propelled, unmanned vehicle designed to operate underwater without direct human control. These robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, navigation systems, and other instruments that allow them to navigate autonomously and perform various tasks in underwater environments.
Features Of Underwater AUV Robot
Autonomy: AUV robots are capable of operating independently without continuous human intervention. They are pre-programmed with instructions for tasks such as data collection, mapping, and exploration.
Navigation: AUVs use a combination of sensors, including acoustic, inertial, and GPS systems, to navigate underwater environments accurately. This allows them to follow predetermined paths, avoid obstacles, and conduct surveys with precision.
Data Collection: AUV robots are equipped with a variety of sensors to collect data on water temperature, salinity, pressure, and marine life. They can also capture images and videos of underwater environments for research and analysis.
ROV Series (Remotely Operated Vehicles)
An Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) robot is a tethered underwater vehicle that is operated by a human controller from the surface. Unlike Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), ROVs require a physical connection, typically a cable or tether, for communication and power transmission.
Characteristics Of Underwater ROV Robot
Remote Operation: ROVs are controlled by operators on the surface using a control console that sends commands through the tether. This allows for real-time control and manipulation of the vehicle’s movements and tools.
Versatile Manipulation: ROVs are equipped with manipulator arms, cameras, lights, and other tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as collecting samples, conducting inspections, performing maintenance, and recovering objects from the seabed.
Precision and Stability: ROVs are known for their stability and precision in underwater operations. They can hover in place, navigate through tight spaces, and perform delicate tasks with accuracy.
Deep-sea Exploration: ROVs are commonly used for deep-sea exploration and research, as they can withstand high pressures and operate at great depths that may be inaccessible to AUVs or human divers.
Underwater Robot Applications
Underwater robots, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), have a wide range of applications in various fields. Here are some common applications of underwater robots:
ROV Robot Applications
At Zava Marine, our primary focus lies in providing ROV robots tailored for diverse underwater applications such as hull cleaning, inspection, dam maintenance, underwater rescue operations, and continuous underwater monitoring. We specialize in elucidating the myriad applications of ROV robots through the products we offer, ensuring precision and efficiency in tasks ranging from hull maintenance to critical rescue missions and real-time underwater surveillance.
Hull Cleaning Robot
- Size: 1130(L) x 870(W) x 575(H) mm
- Weight: 130 kg (in air)
- Operating Speed: 3 knots
- Cleaning Efficiency: 900 m²/h
The ROV robot can be a hull cleaning robot that not only manages hull cleaning tasks but also handles dam cleaning and hull inspection duties. This type of ship hull cleaning robot is adaptable and flexible for steady operation in complex marine environments. Equipped with high-definition camera equipment and an intelligent detection system, it thoroughly scans the ship’s surface upon entering water, accurately locating dirt and attachments. The robot then commences the cleaning operation, utilizing a powerful power system and a new electric brush plate with curved surface adaptive function to effectively remove all types of dirt from the ship’s surface while minimizing damage.
ROV Robot For Underwater Exploration
- Weight: 45kg (in air)
- Size: 740mm (L) x 570mm (W) x 550mm (H)
- Power: 3kW
- Operating Depth: 300m
The ROV robot designed for underwater exploration is equipped to excel in various tasks. During deep-sea geological surveys, it can be outfitted with powerful imaging and sampling modules to precisely gather rock and soil samples from the seafloor, producing clear geological images. In marine ecological monitoring, the robot can be fitted with diverse biosensor and environmental monitoring modules to capture real-time data on marine biological activities and water quality changes.
Notably autonomous, the robot leverages advanced algorithms and sensors to autonomously plan its navigation path, steer clear of potential obstacles and hazards, and dynamically adjust task strategies based on real-time information to ensure efficient task completion. Modular autonomous underwater vehicles have demonstrated significant value in practical applications. For instance, during an offshore oil pipeline inspection mission, one such vehicle successfully identified a small leak, averting potential major accidents and environmental harm.
ROV Robot For Underwater Rescue
- Weight: 350 kg (in air)
- Size: 2980 mm (L) × 697 mm (W) × 779 mm (H)
- Operating Depth: 0-4500 meters
- Operating Speed: 3 knots
- Camera: 1080p × 6
When it comes to underwater rescue missions, ROV robots play a vital role in locating and assisting individuals in distress beneath the water’s surface. Equipped with specialized tools and features, these robots are designed to navigate challenging underwater environments and execute complex rescue operations with precision and efficiency.
ROV robots for underwater rescue are outfitted with high-definition cameras and sensors that enable them to swiftly locate and assess the situation of a person or object requiring assistance. These robots can operate at significant depths, providing real-time video feeds to rescue teams on the surface and aiding in decision-making processes during critical rescue missions.
AUV Robot Applications
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have a wide range of applications due to their autonomous nature and ability to operate independently without direct human control. Here are some common applications of AUV robots:
Oceanographic Research: AUVs are used to collect data on ocean currents, temperature, salinity, and water quality, providing valuable insights for oceanographers studying marine environments and climate change.
Marine Biology: AUVs are employed to study marine life, habitats, and biodiversity, allowing researchers to observe and document underwater ecosystems, behavior patterns of marine species, and the effects of human activities on marine organisms.
Underwater Mapping and Surveys: AUVs are used to create high-resolution maps of the seafloor, underwater terrain, and geological features, aiding in offshore exploration, coastal management, and disaster response planning.
Environmental Monitoring: AUVs play a crucial role in monitoring pollution levels, tracking oil spills, assessing coral reef health, and studying the impact of environmental changes on marine ecosystems, helping to protect and preserve fragile underwater environments.
