UNDERWATER & AQUATIC ROBOTS

Aquatic robots are specially designed machines that operate in water, whether beneath the surface or floating on top. These robots play a crucial role in various industries by performing tasks that are challenging or impossible for humans to do directly.

There are two main types of aquatic robots. The first type, underwater robots, also known as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), operate below the water's surface. These robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and tools that allow them to explore, inspect, and gather data from deep underwater environments, often in places that are difficult or dangerous for humans to reach.

The second type is surface water robots, referred to as Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs). These robots work on the water's surface and are used for tasks like monitoring water quality, conducting surveys, mapping, and even performing search and rescue missions. They are essential in fields like environmental research, maritime security, and oceanography. These aquatic robots help us better understand and manage our planet's vast and complex marine environments.

There are several different types of underwater robots. The main types include:

• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): ROVs are underwater robots, usually tethered, that an operator controls on the surface via an interface such as a tablet or a joystick. Cables provide power and communication between the robot and the operator. ROVs often have cameras, lights, manipulators, and various sensors.
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): AUVs operate independently without direct human control. They are used for tasks like mapping the seafloor, collecting data, and conducting long-duration surveys.
• Hybrid Vehicles: These combine features of both ROVs and AUVs. They can operate autonomously like AUVs but can also be controlled remotely, like ROVs, when needed. This flexibility makes them versatile tools for complex underwater missions.
• Crawlers: These underwater robots move along the seafloor or other underwater surfaces using tracks, wheels, or legs. They are used for tasks like pipeline inspection, sediment sampling, and underwater construction. Crawlers are often equipped with tools for digging, cutting, or manipulating objects on the seafloor.
• Gliders: Gliders are a type of AUV that moves through the water using changes in buoyancy to glide in a sawtooth pattern. They are typically used for long-duration missions, such as monitoring ocean conditions, collecting environmental data, and tracking marine life. Gliders are energy-efficient and can cover large distances over extended periods.
• Towed Vehicles: Towed vehicles are underwater robots that are pulled behind a ship or boat using a cable. They are used for tasks like seafloor mapping, sonar imaging, and deep-sea exploration. While not autonomous, towed vehicles can carry various sensors and equipment to collect detailed underwater data.

Here’s a list of the main applications for underwater robots:

• Environmental Monitoring: Aquatic robots check water quality and monitor ecosystems in oceans, lakes, and rivers. They collect data on temperature, pollution, and marine life to help scientists understand and protect aquatic environments.
• Marine Biology and Research: These robots allow researchers to observe marine species in their natural habitats and explore deep-sea environments, providing insights into marine biology that would be difficult to obtain otherwise.
• Scientific Research and Data Collection: Robots gather important data on ocean conditions, helping scientists study climate change, ocean currents, and underwater geological features.
• Underwater Exploration and Mapping: Underwater robots map the seafloor, explore shipwrecks, and uncover underwater archaeological sites, giving us detailed images and data of these hidden underwater worlds.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Robots inspect and maintain offshore oil rigs, pipelines, and other underwater infrastructure, helping to ensure safe and efficient operations while reducing risks to human divers.
• Search and Rescue: In emergencies, aquatic robots assist in finding submerged vehicles, aircraft, or people. They can operate in deep or dangerous waters where human divers can't go.
• Maritime Security: These robots help protect ports and coastlines by detecting underwater mines and monitoring for unauthorized activities, playing a pivotal role in maritime security.
• Inspection and Maintenance of Infrastructure: Aquatic robots inspect underwater parts of bridges, dams, and harbors to spot any issues early, ensuring these structures remain safe and in good condition.
• Recreational and Commercial Use: From underwater photography to fish farming, these robots are used for fun and practical tasks, like capturing stunning underwater footage or checking the health of fish in aquaculture.
• Education and Outreach: Aquatic robots are used in schools and public exhibitions to teach people about marine science and raise awareness of the importance of protecting our oceans.