Remotely Operated Vehicles, or ROVs, are submergeable robots that are controlled from above the water. ROVs are connected to the topside via cable umbilical (tether) cable and controlled using a joystick in a similar to play a video game. A group of cables, connects the ROV to surface station, sending electrical signals back and forth between the operator and the vehicle.
Here we summarize few of the benefits of using ROV for our underwater surveys:
Reducing Human Exposure:
Human divers can only submerge to certain depths for a restricted period of time, and the skill and danger involved makes deepwater diving unrealistic.
Reaching Deeper:
ROVs allow us to investigate areas that are too deep for humans (divers) to safely reach themselves.
Diving Longer:
Remote Operated Vehicles can stay underwater much longer than a human diver, expanding the time available for exploration. The only limitation will be the power source (battery or power supply).
Although ROVs were not as successful initially, the technology has come a long way, and now Underwater Vehicles are regularly used offshore for petroleum developments and drilling, fishfarming, military and oceanogrphy investigations.