What is an ROV?

• • What is an ROV?
  • A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is an unoccupied underwater robot that is connected to a ship by a series of cables. These cables transmit command and control signals between the operator and the ROV, allowing remote navigation of the vehicle.

  • What parts are there to an ROV?
  • The six main parts to an ROV are the float block, camera, ballast weight, frame, and thrusters.  A float block is a block placed on top of the ROV for buoyancy.  A camera is a device for recording an underwater visual signal.  Ballast weights are weights within the ROV frame which provide stability.  The frame provides a firm platform for mounting the necessary mechanical, electrical, and propulsion components of the ROV.  Two or more thrusters make the ROV propulsion system, which propels the vehicle in a manner that allows navigation to the work site.

  • How do they move? Vertically? Horizontally?  
  • ROVs move by using a series of electrical fans all connected to a small engine.  The fans are all placed in strategic points on the ROV for the direction intended.  An example would be the fans would be placed towards the end of the ROV pointing away, this would make the ROV move directly forward.
  • How do they sense the world?

  • ROVs sense the world through a digital camera placed usually near the front of the ROV.  Sometimes ROVs have multiple camera’s to make sure it captures multiple angles which helps the sense of feeling for the ROV and direction.
  • How do they communicate with humans?

  • ROVs communicate with people through cameras that are attached to them, and manipulators that notify people of the depths they are at.

  • What are some examples of ROVs?
  • An example of an ROV is the Argo developed by Robert Ballard that was used for finding undersea sunken ships.  The Argo ended up finding the Titanic and the Bismark.
  • Another example of an ROV is the Hercules which is primarily used for investigating and retrieving artifacts from ancient shipwrecks. It is one of the only ROVs specifically designed for this type of work and it is equipped with a HD camera.

  

  Sources:
  http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1274139

  http://www.seaviewsystems.com/questions/what-is-an-rov/

  http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/subs/hercules/hercules.html

  https://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=83577&tid=3622&cid=130989

05/06/16