Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD

High resolution ROTV

Focus 3 Underwater Vehicle – Part of the Digital Ocean Lab's Advanced Survey Systems

The MacArtney Focus 3 Underwater Vehicle, operated within the Digital Ocean Lab, is equipped with a unique, comprehensive suite of high-resolution sensors. Designed to meet the most demanding requirements of underwater research, monitoring and inspection, the system reflects the current state of the art in underwater technology. Its integration into the Digital Ocean Lab's infrastructure ensures access to cutting-edge capabilities for researchers, safety experts and environmental specialists.

Key Equipment and Features

  1. INS SPRINT-Nav 700
    • A high-precision Inertial Navigation System (INS) that integrates advanced motion and positioning sensors. This system provides reliable navigation and stability even in GPS-denied underwater environments, ensuring precise data acquisition.
  2. MBES Teledyne T50 (Multibeam Echo Sounder)
    • A high-resolution multibeam echo sounder that generates detailed seafloor maps. Essential for marine geology, sediment analysis and submerged object detection, the MBES enhances both research and operational surveys.
  3. Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) – Kraken MINSAS 120
    • This ultrahigh-resolution sonar system delivers unprecedented seafloor imaging, capable of detecting and classifying small or partially buried objects. It is particularly suited for UXO detection and habitat mapping.
  4. 3D Sub-Bottom SAS – EdgeTech eBOSS
    • The sub-bottom SAS profiler uses synthetic aperture technology to create detailed 3D reconstructions of subsurface layers, enabling precise identification of buried objects such as pipelines, UXO and geological formations.
  5. Gradiometer 3+1 – Geometrics G-882
    • A magnetometer array capable of detecting minute magnetic anomalies. This system excels at locating ferromagnetic objects, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), shipwrecks and buried structures.
  6. Four HD Cameras with Integrated Lighting
    • The system is equipped with four high-definition cameras and powerful underwater lights, providing exceptional visual coverage for documenting the seafloor, habitats and subsea structures.
  7. Sonardyne USBL Sub-Mini 6+ Transponder
    • An ultrashort baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning system that ensures real-time, precise tracking of the vehicle. This is essential for synchronizing survey data and maintaining operational efficiency during complex missions.
  8. Valeport Midas Environmental Sensors
    • A versatile CTD sensor suite for in situ water quality monitoring, featuring the following capabilities:
      • OxyGuard DO Sensor: Measures dissolved oxygen levels, crucial for assessing marine oxygenation and ecosystem health.
      • pH Sensor: Tracks the acidity of seawater, providing data for ocean acidification studies.
      • Redox (ORP) Sensor: Measures oxidation-reduction potential, offering insights into chemical processes in the marine environment.
      • Seapoint Turbidity Sensor: Detects water clarity and suspended particle concentrations, supporting sediment transport and pollution analysis.
      • Chlorophyll Fluorometer: Monitors chlorophyll concentration, enabling assessments of primary productivity and phytoplankton dynamics.
© Fraunhofer IGD
© Fraunhofer IGD
© Fraunhofer IGD

Integration into the Digital Ocean Lab

The Focus 3 is integrated into the Digital Ocean Lab's high-tech infrastructure, combining multiple high-resolution sensors to deliver exceptional data quality and synchronization. This system enables simultaneous data collection across sonar, magnetometry, video, and environmental monitoring modalities, ensuring that researchers can rely on validated, multi-source datasets.

The vehicle's comprehensive configuration is designed to support applications ranging from environmental monitoring to forensic investigations with maximum data resolution and coverage, positioning it as one of the most advanced systems available today.

© Fraunhofer IGD

Applications and Use Cases

  1. Seafloor Mapping and Marine Geology
    • High-resolution surveys of seafloor topography, sediment composition and geological features support resource management, research and construction planning.
  2. UXO Detection and Clearance
    • The system's integration of sonar, magnetometry and sub-bottom profiling provides high-precision detection and classification of unexploded ordnance (UXO), ensuring safety in marine environments.
  3. Environmental Monitoring and Habitat Mapping
    • The Valeport Midas environmental sensors enhance the system’s capacity to conduct water quality assessments, habitat studies and ecosystem health monitoring by providing real-time measurements of oxygen levels, pH, turbidity and chlorophyll.
  4. Subsea Infrastructure Inspection
    • The vehicle is used to inspect underwater infrastructure such as pipelines, cables, and offshore platforms. Its high-definition video and sonar imaging ensure early detection of structural issues for maintenance planning.
  5. Accident, Incident and Sabotage Investigation
    • The Focus 3 provides accurate forensic data collection in the aftermath of underwater accidents, shipwrecks or sabotage incidents. Its sensor suite allows for comprehensive documentation of damage, debris fields and structural integrity, supporting legal and insurance investigations.
  6. Data Generation for AI and Machine Learning
    • The vehicle generates high-quality, multi-modal datasets ideal for training AI and machine learning models. These datasets improve object detection, classification, and anomaly detection algorithms, advancing both research and operational monitoring capabilities.

 

Advantages and Benefits

  • Unmatched sensor resolution and coverage, representing the cutting edge of underwater technology
  • Advanced multi-sensor integration for accurate, reliable data collection
  • Real-time navigation and data monitoring to support complex underwater tasks
  • Enhanced environmental monitoring with in situ water quality sensors
  • High-resolution data for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to forensic investigations
  • Contribution to AI development through the generation of training datasets

The Focus 3 Underwater Vehicle exemplifies the Digital Ocean Lab's commitment to pushing the boundaries of marine research and survey capabilities. By offering researchers and operators access to the most advanced technology available, it ensures that critical underwater missions can be carried out with precision, reliability and innovation.