ROV Exploration
Over the past 40 years Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) technology has grown exponentially.
Known as ROVs these deep-sea systems are really remotely operated unmanned submersibles. They come in many different sizes and are used for an array of research, exploration and discovery purposes.
Phantom
The BlueROV2 is a small inspection vehicle, but is also a wonderful educational system for training students the basics in ROV technology and skills.
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The BlueROV2 and Phantom S2 ROVs are small observation vehicles outfitted with scientific equipment designed to collect data in Antarctica. This system was donated to OceansWide by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Students and engineers are currently upgrading the systems on this ROV and it will soon be used to explore the Gulf of Maine.
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From the small systems they go up in size depending on the operational conditions and work requirements.
Small Work Class ROV
The next size is considered a small work class ROV.
Shown here is a Saab Seaeye Falcon which is ideal for use in medium currents and capable of lifting light payloads from the midwater and benthic ecosystems.
It is also a wonderful observational system capable of bringing back extraordinary photos and video.
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Mid Sized ROVs
Next we move up to the mid-sized ROVs. Here is the big brother to the Falcon, a Saab Seaeye Leopard. This vehicle has additional thrusters to help it navigate in the deeper waters and higher currents.
It is equipped with robotic manipulator arms capable of lifting heavy objects, but because of their finite control system capable of gently manipulating fragile creatures and instruments for research and educational purposes.
Blue
