Aquabotix Launches Hybrid AUV/ROV System

By Mike Ball / 13 Dec 2017
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Aquabotix hybrid AUV-ROV

Aquabotix has announced the introduction of its second-generation hybrid underwater vehicle, the Integra AUV/ROV (autonomous underwater vehicle/remotely operated vehicle). Single-person deployable, portable and lithium ion battery-powered, the Integra AUV/ROV allows users to conduct multiple underwater missions, while providing an alternative to deploying separate AUVs and ROVs for individualized tasks.

The Integra AUV/ROV can be configured with multiple sensors and maneuvered by an intuitive platform accessible from any web-enabled device. The vehicle is designed for use across several sectors, including law enforcement, research, environmental assessment, defense and infrastructure, and can search wide areas using AUV mode (untethered) while conducting detailed inspections using ROV mode (tethered). Users can easily switch from AUV mode to ROV mode by attaching the tether to remotely control the vehicle’s six degrees of freedom of motion. When running the vehicle in autonomous operation, all mission planning is completed in a Windows-based application.

“With the Integra Hybrid AUV/ROV, we have added more functionality to a single vehicle,” said David Batista, CEO of Aquabotix. “Because this vehicle has the brain power to conduct autonomous missions as well as detailed inspections in a single setting, operators have immediate and complete control. The introduction of the Integra AUV/ROV is the next step in the evolution of underwater vehicles and illustrates how Aquabotix continues to successfully meet the demands of underwater exploration and inspection.”

Other features of the Integra AUV/ROV include:

  • Five high-torque motors
  • Live Remote Control and data sharing
  • Configurable sensor suite: Side scan sonar, multibeam sonar, scanning sonar, DVL, USBL, INS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and environmental sensors available
  • Sensor package including depth, temperature, orientation and GPS
  • 1080p true high-definition camera with pan and tilt
  • Depth Rating 100m or 300m models available
  • 5 pounds of payload capability
  • Up to 8 hours battery life
  • High Intensity LED lighting (4400 Lumens)

“Our second-generation hybrid, the Integra, leverages the strongest innovative capabilities of both types of underwater vehicles. Yet in utilizing our hybrid digital platform, users no longer need two vehicles to explore and conduct tasks underwater. Now, they can activate AUV mode for broad range searches, while switching to ROV capabilities for more in-depth analysis of underwater conditions,” said Durval Tavares, Chief Technology Officer of Aquabotix. “Simply put, the Integra AUV/ROV is a force multiplier for our customers.”

Aquabotix also recently announced its new Live Remove Control product feature, which customers can use to pilot underwater vehicles, store, analyze and share data, from any web browser-enabled device, remotely, from anywhere in the world. Aquabotix’s entire family of products, including the Integra, are now equipped with this functionality.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact