Assembling an underwater robot (video)

Prehistory

Despite the rapid development of underwater drones (according to science – Autonomous and controlled uninhabited underwater vehicles (AUV, ROV, UUV, AUV), most of them are a screw structure on a frame, optionally supplemented with a payload.

In this case, control is carried out via cable from the accompanying vessel, less often – from the shore. In general, the process of controlling such a device is similar to controlling an aerial drone – you can see images from the camera in real time on the remote control screen, and use the manipulators on the remote control to direct the device.

However, devices of this type have a number of disadvantages:

1. Sensitivity to current speed, inability to work in areas with strong currents

2. Despite the presence of a manipulator, it is difficult to carry out any work at the bottom due to the lack of a support point

3. The presence of a cable, which limits both the distance/depth of immersion and use from the shore or in difficult terrain/debris, etc.

4. Inability to operate completely autonomously

Story

We decided to assemble a crawler-mounted underwater robot that would solve the problems listed above.

The robot, as expected, has a modular design:

1. Lighting – “low” and “high” beam

2. Live surveillance camera

3. VR camera (why? Just like that :)))

4. Surface buoy for signal transmission

5. Multiple battery packs

6. Motor and control module

7. Chassis

Control via computer and game joystick, VR glasses optional

So what…?

Actually, a video from one of the modules. Location – Gulf of Finland, mouth of the Neva, night 🙂

Thank you for your attention!