Will the One underwater robotic system soon supplant human scuba divers from performing perilous and physically demanding tasks? This submersible combines distinctive characteristics from both deep-sea and surface-patrolling robots, resulting in a unique blend of attributes.
Unmanned underwater exploration devices, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), have made significant advancements in discovering the underwater world.
Remotely operated autonomous vehicles are controlled in real-time by a surface-based pilot, who relies on a live video stream from the aircraft’s digital camera to guide their movements.
While remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) exhibit exceptional agility, their performance is significantly hindered by the restrictive nature of an umbilical communication cable that limits their range and flexibility. If the cable becomes snagged on an underwater obstacle, the ROV’s entire deployment could be compromised.
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) eschew cables, instead leveraging their autonomous capabilities to navigate the ocean’s depths and sidestep hazards while conducting prolonged marine surveys that can span hours or even weeks. Despite their streamlined design, their agility is limited due to their inability to hover or make sharp turns.
When the uOne returns, that is where they are intended to land.
uWare Robotics
The AUV, designed by uWare Robotics, employs built-in cameras, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and various technologies to autonomously navigate a preprogrammed underwater “flight path”. Prior to launch, the craft’s onboard computer receives this information wirelessly from its user.
Despite its unconventional appearance, the uOne does not conform to the traditional design of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). Its compact, low-slung frame features eight precisely controlled thrusters, enabling it to maintain a stable hover or seamlessly transition in any direction with ease. Since there’s no anchor, there’s no way to secure the best outcome or get stuck on anything.
The uOne is primarily designed for duties such as inspecting underwater constructions like oil rig platforms and seabed pipelines. The AI could potentially generate three-dimensional maps of its surroundings, including clouds at various elevations, while also planning to identify and investigate any “points of interest” it may encounter.
uWare Robotics
All collected data is stored on a robust onboard solid-state drive for safekeeping, allowing for seamless wireless transmission once the mission is completed and the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) returns to its home base.
The uOne boasts dimensions of 40 cm x 40 cm x 50 cm (15.7 in x 15.7 in x 19.7 in), with a dry weight of 15 kg (33 lb) and the capacity to accommodate up to an additional 5 kg (11 lb) of payloads, including sensors, lights or other equipment. With a prime velocity of approximately three knots (5.5 kilometres per hour or 3.5 miles per hour), the device has a runtime of around two hours, powered by its replaceable battery that costs roughly twice as much.
uWare Robotics
The autonomous underwater vehicle’s current acrylic hull enables it to dive to a maximum depth of 246 feet, specifically 75 meters. An aluminium physique is in the works, which should significantly enhance its performance. Reportedly, a single individual can deploy the entire setup within just 10 minutes.
Interested parties seeking more information about our products can reach out to us at uWare. Watch as the revolutionary uOne makes its debut in this exclusive video, showcasing its dynamic capabilities in action.
As robotic innovations continue to blur the lines between autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), consider this morphing robotic-armed prototype for insight into the future of subsea exploration.
uWare & Innoceana – Autonomous Seagrass Mapping – Tenerife – October 2021
Supply: through
