Pressure-Tolerant ROV Successfully Tested in the Deep Atlantic

By Caroline Rees / 06 Jul 2012

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Erno2 ROV

A new pressure-tolerant ROV named Erno2, designed by Enitech GmbH (Rostock, Germany), has been successfully tested within the framework of the “Pressure-tolerant deep-sea systems” project of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi).

Driven by electric thrusters, the light vehicle easily manoeuvred above the seabed, streaming live video from over 4000 m deep with its 3 video cameras and LED lights.

The actual robot was attached to its tether management system (TMS) during the two-hour descent into the deep. It left the TMS 20 m above the seafloor and continued its journey being remotely controlled. A video- and data-link allowed the engineers to navigate the vehicle and monitor its behaviour. Both the TMS and the ROV were powered with batteries that can be recharged during the mission, so the ROV’s stay on the seafloor is in theory unlimited.

Less than 1 m wide, the 420 kg-heavy Erno2 is a relatively small ROV. All Erno2 equipment takes up only a half of the standard 20-foot container, making Erno2 one of the world’s smallest deep sea ROVs. Operating depths of 6000 m are possible due to the vehicle’s pressure tolerant construction.

To withstand the extreme pressure, all important ROV subsystems – the motor, the lights, all the sensitive electronics – are, instead of pressurized encapsulations, protected with elastic silicon molds. This new technique, developed at Enitech GmbH, is set to replace the oil-filled containers that were previously used for pressure compensation, and is to become the enabling technology for compact, lightweight, robust and cost-effective unmanned deep sea vehicles.

Enitech experts have been working on this deep sea technology since 2000. After developing pressure-tolerant thrusters and power supply systems for AUVs like DeepC and SeaOtter MKII (Atlas Elektronik, Bremen), Enitech GmbH came up with their own vehicle – the Erno2 – that was now successfully tested in on several deep sea missions. The ROV was co-financed by the government’s R&D project, so the small company from Rostock can now manufacture commercial products based on the tested components for cost-effective deep sea AUV and ROV equipment.

The new components were, among others, used for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) PreToS. The PreToS, also built within the “Pressure-tolerant deep-sea systems” project framework, delivered an excellent performance last year during its first trials in the Baltic Sea.

As project coordinator, Enitech GmbH works in close cooperation with EvoLogics GmbH (Berlin) on underwater communication systems, as well as with the Berlin Technical University (Technische Universität Berlin – TU Berlin) and the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (Leibniz-Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde – IOW). TU Berlin engineers, among others, designed the hull and the titanium frame of the PreToS AUV, that, with Enitech’s pressure-tolerant silicon components, is also able to submerge to up to 6000 m.

The PreToS AUV’s first deep sea mission in the Atlantic is scheduled for early 2013. During its first operation, the AUV is to conduct three-dimensional mapping of an underwater current at the Azores. In fall 2013, the PreTos is planned to come back to autonomously map and photograph the seabed at 6000 m, accompanied by Erno2 for support and emergency.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Low- & Zero-Emission Propulsion & Power Generation Solutions for UAVs

NEX Power's hybrid propulsion technologies are designed to enable next-generation applications such as UAM and heavy-lift cargo drones

Feb 07, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Feb 07, 2025
Project OPTIMAS to Utilize Schiebel VTOL UAS for Advanced Optical Laser Communications

Project OPTIMAS and Schiebel are set to develop a secure, high-speed optical communication system using quantum encryption and laser technology for multi-domain defence and satellite connectivity

Feb 07, 2025
Gemini 1200id High-Resolution Sonar Optimized for Unmanned Underwater Operations

Tritech's Gemini 1200id sonar offers high-resolution imaging, advanced noise reduction, and dual-frequency capability, enhancing performance for unmanned underwater systems and mission-critical ROV operations

Feb 07, 2025
Dockstr to Offer SubC Imaging’s Underwater Cameras & Software Solutions

SubC Imaging has announced Dockstr as its new agent, extending access to its advanced underwater cameras, DVRs, and remote operation systems across key offshore sectors worldwide

Feb 07, 2025
New NDAA-Compliant FPV Drone Camera Released 

Unusual Machines has launched the NDAA-compliant Fat Shark Aura FPV Camera, offering high-performance, first-person view capabilities for commercial and defense applications

Feb 07, 2025

Featured Content

Vertiq’s 81-08 G2 Module Added to DIU’s Blue UAS Framework

Vertiq's 81-08 G2 servo motor and control system for Group 2 sUAS has become the first motor and ESC combination to be approved under the U.S. government's Blue UAS Framework

Feb 05, 2025
Compact Remote ID Receiver Released for Enhanced Drone Safety

Dronetag has introduced RIDER, a pocket-sized, drone-agnostic Remote ID receiver designed to improve airspace situational awareness and support commercial and public safety applications

Jan 30, 2025
New GCS Software Released for C100 Quadcopter

Performance Drone Works introduces PDW CORE, a comprehensive software bundle enhancing the C100 quadcopter's capabilities with a new UI, flight simulator, mission planner, ATAK integration, and fleet management tools

Jan 29, 2025
Advanced Signal Mapping Tool Released for Effective UAV Flight Planning

Elsight has launched HeatSight, a signal strength mapping tool that provides UAV operators with reliable cellular coverage data, improving flight planning efficiency and safety for BVLOS missions

Jan 28, 2025
Doodle Labs Unveils Mobile App for Managing Mesh Networks

Doodle Labs is introducing the Mesh Rider® Mobile App, providing intuitive tools for managing wireless mesh networks across devices such as ground control stations (GCS) and UAVs

Jan 23, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Jan 21, 2025