Boxfish Develops ROVs & AUVs for Inspections & Videography

Boxfish Research, a specialist developer of marine robotic systems with state-of-the-art underwater vision technologies, has partnered with Unmanned Systems Technology (“UST”) to demonstrate their expertise in this field. The ‘Silver’ profile highlights how their ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) and accessories are ideal for a wide variety of underwater applications, including offshore inspections, professional cinematography and natural history, biosecurity and navy, and luxury superyachts and research vessels.

Designed in collaboration with Transmark Subsea, the ARV-i is a resident AUV developed specifically for the persistent monitoring of underwater assets. With the ability to stay underwater for up to 12 months at a time, it is ideal for offshore energy installations, oil and gas platforms, wind farms, aquaculture and fisheries.

Designed for fully autonomous operation, the vehicle uses a combination of pre-programmed information and AI capabilities to locate and observe underwater assets. It can automatically return to its docking station when required for wireless battery charging and transfer of collected data.

The vehicle can also be manually piloted from anywhere in the world using wireless or fixed IP connections through 4G/Internet tether extension adapters. Tethered options are available for applications requiring uncompressed 4K video stream or higher-rate data transmission.

The Boxfish Luna is an advanced underwater ROV for professional cinematographers, delivering 8K video and 50MP image capture at depths of up to 1000 metres. With a choice of Sony A7SIII or Sony α1 cameras, and a new 200mm precision optical dome, the Boxfish Luna allows filmmakers to easily capture underwater environments with unparalleled detail and clarity.

Eight 3D-vectored thrusters and six degrees of freedom allow the ROV to orient itself in any direction. Fine control, active stabilisation and ultra-precise movements let the operator achieve steady shots with ease.

The 4K UHD 17-inch Boxfish Console provides convenient video monitoring and communications from the surface. Users have full control of vehicle positioning and camera parameters such as exposure, white balance, zoom and lighting.

The Boxfish ROV is an advanced ROV system that delivers sharp, uncompressed, near-zero latency 4K video. Weighing just 23 kg, it can be easily setup and launched within minutes by a crew of two, and is able to operate at depths of up to 500m as standard, with options for 1000m and beyond. Eight 3D-vectored thrusters provide six degrees of freedom of movement, allowing the underwater vehicle to travel and orientate itself in any direction and operate even in tight spaces and strong currents.

The ROV’s uncompressed main 4K underwater video camera is complemented by two additional built-in ultra-wide-angle navigation cameras, offering unprecedented surround visibility and superior situational awareness. Two 8,500-lumen lights provide excellent illumination allowing image capture even in total darkness.

The control station includes a 17 inch 4K monitor for crisp image and video viewing, as well as a 10 inch screen that displays footage from the ultra-wide angle cameras.

The Boxfish ROV can operate for up to 14 hours on a single charge, and sealed quick-access ports allow it to be charged easily in the field. In case of unexpected difficulties, the ROV’s fault-tolerant design allows it to continue to operate even with several fouled thrusters. If communication is lost, the vehicle will automatically return to the surface under its own power.

To find out more about Boxfish Research and their underwater robotics solutions, please visit their profile page:
https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/company/boxfish-research/