In underwater robotics, robots and machines are employed to perform tasks underwater without direct human involvement. Underwater robots generally fall into two categories: AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles). At the core of such robots are sensors, photographic cameras, and arm-like exploiters that help them to perform various tasks while submerged. Through smart sensors and other upgraded tools, they gather more data about the ocean. At present, the use of underwater robots is expanding in defense, commercial, and scientific arenas, including oil, gas, and mineral discovery, pipeline maintenance, wreck studies, surveys, subaquatic archaeology, oceanographic sampling, and tundra exploration, as well as oceanographic research such as tsunamis and hurricanes.
Autonomous underwater vehicles available in the underwater robotics market are designed for robotic applications that can navigate the ocean without the need for above-water operator. An AUV is a kind of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). This category also includes remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), which are operated, commanded, and controlled from the ship by expert using a cable or remote control.
Types of ROVs:
Different types of ROVs are available in the underwater robotics market for various applications. Advanced ROVs are classified according to their size, engine capability, pressure resistance, and mechanism type like fully electric or electro-hydraulic.
- Micro ROVs: Robots in the micro category of ROVs are smaller and lighter in weight. These robots are commonly used as a substitute for divers in areas that are hard to access, such as sewers, pipelines, and small spaces. They can weigh less than three kilograms.
- Mini ROVs: Mini category can weigh around fifteen kilograms and these are also used as a substitute for divers. These ROVs can be managed by a single individual throughout implementation without requiring external help.
- General ROVs: The general class of ROVs have an engine capacity of less than five horsepower and are equipped with grippers, exploiters, and a sonar system. These robots can reach around thousand meters deep into the ocean and perform small survey operations.
- Light work class: This class of ROVs has a higher engine capacity of around fifty horsepower, which is more than general ROVs. These are manufactured using polymers like polyethylene to provide more pressure strength and are equipped with manipulators to perform various aquatic tasks. With improved structure and capabilities these robots can perform aquatic tasks at a depth of around 2,000 meters in the ocean.
- Heavy work class: Engines of heavy work class ROVs generate propulsion of around 200 HP, which makes them capable of carrying two exploiters. They are manufactured using high-quality polymers to increase their diving range as compared to other classes of ROVs. Currently, heavy work class ROVs available in the underwater robotics market can work at a depth of around 3,500 meters.
- Burial/ Trenching: Trenching ROVs are considered the most advanced version of ROVs in the market because their engines can generate propulsion of more than 200 HP to 500 HP. They are controlled using an umbilical cord and can perform aquatic tasks at a depth of 6,000 meters.