Xsens MTi Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) sensors are integrated into VideoRay’s compact ROV platforms, supporting semi-autonomous underwater navigation during demanding US Navy explosive ordnance disposal missions. Read more >>
Reliable navigation and stable underwater positioning are critical requirements for remotely operated vehicles deployed in hazardous underwater environments.
VideoRay, a U.S.-based manufacturer of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), supplies the Ally, Defender and Pro 5 systems for operations requiring portability, maneuverability and dependable underwater performance. The company’s ROVs are widely utilized in military applications where personnel must remain at a safe distance from unexploded mines, bombs and other underwater threats.
The onboard Xsens MTi AHRS contributes to vehicle heading determination and stability functions, assisting navigation accuracy and propulsion management during missions in challenging marine conditions.
Compact ROVs for Explosive Ordnance Disposal
VideoRay’s modular ROV systems are designed to perform tasks traditionally handled by divers while reducing operational risk to personnel. Connected to a surface control station through a tether, the vehicles are equipped with 4K imaging systems, optional auxiliary cameras and high-output lighting to provide detailed underwater visibility.
VideoRay Defender.
Forward-looking sonar enables navigation in low-visibility environments, including murky or debris-filled waters. The systems can also be fitted with a range of accessories for gripping, lifting and intervention tasks.
Each ROV incorporates seven 1 hp thrusters, providing the thrust required for rapid maneuvering and heavy lifting operations on the seabed.
The vehicles are frequently used by the US Navy during explosive ordnance disposal missions. In these scenarios, the ROV navigates semi-autonomously toward operator-defined coordinates before manual control is assumed for identification and handling of the target object.
Inertial Navigation for Underwater Operations
Accurate navigation underwater requires the integration of multiple sensing technologies. VideoRay’s inertial navigation architecture combines Doppler velocity logging, GPS positioning, Greensea navigation software and depth sensing with the Xsens MTi AHRS.
The AHRS sensor provides heading data used to maintain navigational accuracy throughout the mission. Attitude information from the sensor also supports stabilization of the propulsion system, helping the vehicle maintain stable posture underwater.
According to Andy Goldstein, Chief Technology Officer, VideoRay, heading accuracy represents one of the most significant challenges in marine inertial navigation systems.
Andy Goldstein, Chief Technology Officer, VideoRay, “VideoRay’s evaluation of the Xsens MTi AHRS sensor convinced us that its performance would meet the high standards that we set for the inertial system on the ROV. Movella supplies the sensors with a robust software development kit to streamline the system development process.
“The SDK is also supported by magnetic calibration software supplied by Movella. This means that users can calibrate the sensor’s heading measurements to adjust for variations in the earth’s magnetic field. This fine tuning of the heading system’s outputs is absolutely crucial to the vehicle’s ability to stay on track over missions stretching for hundreds of meters from the starting position.”
Sensor Integration in Compact Platforms
The compact form factor of the Xsens MTi AHRS was an important consideration during integration into VideoRay’s ROV systems. The reduced footprint simplified installation within compact vehicles designed for single-person transport.
Production availability also supported VideoRay’s requirements for scalable manufacturing and deployment.
The navigation and propulsion capabilities of the Ally, Defender and Pro 5 platforms have been tested extensively during thousands of explosive ordnance disposal missions.
Beyond defense applications, the ROV systems are also used for offshore energy mapping and production, ship maintenance, underwater infrastructure inspection, dam assessment, and search and rescue operations.
Across these applications, the onboard Xsens MTi AHRS assists stable vehicle handling and reliable underwater navigation in demanding operational environments.
