Inspection Class ROV and Compact ROTV

Underwater Vehicles at the Digital Ocean Lab

The Digital Ocean Lab operates a range of underwater vehicles designed to support high-resolution data collection, survey, inspection and research tasks. These vehicles are built for flexibility, featuring open ROS2 architecture for custom sensor integration and flexible mission configurations. The fleet includes Inspection Class ROV, Compact ROTV, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, and lightweight BlueROV Systems.

Inspection Class ROV – Advanced Survey and Manipulation Vehicle

Our Inspection Class ROV is designed for heavy-duty underwater operations, combining precise manipulation capabilities with a sophisticated array of sensors. It excels in detailed seafloor mapping, object handling and infrastructure inspection.

Core Features and Equipment

• ARIS Explorer 3000 Imaging Sonar: High-resolution sonar imaging for clear underwater visualization in difficult conditions.
• Bravo Reach 5 Manipulator Arm: Enables precise underwater handling and object recovery.
• Impact Subsea ISS 360 Sonar: Real-time obstacle detection for safe navigation.
• Underwater LiDAR (Fraunhofer IPM): Provides high-precision 3D mapping of complex underwater structures.
• Nortek Nucleus 1000 Doppler Velocity Log (DVL): Ensures stable and accurate positioning.
• Open ROS2 Backend: Allows integration of additional sensors, tools and algorithms for mission-specific needs.

Compact ROTV – Agile Survey and Data Collection Platform

Our Compact ROTV is a towed platform designed for rapid underwater inspections and high-resolution data acquisition. Its streamlined design and integrated sensors make it ideal for wide-area surveys.

Core Features and Equipment

• Nortek Nucleus 1000 DVL: Provides precise navigation and velocity tracking.
• Sonoptix ECHO Multibeam Forward-Looking Sonar: Enables real-time obstacle detection and situational awareness.
• 2 HD Cameras: High-definition imaging for real-time visual inspection and documentation.
• Open ROS2 Backend: Supports flexible integration of sensors and data processing tools.
• MacArtney CORMAC M5 Deck Winch: Facilitates efficient deployment and recovery with a 230V power connection.

ECOSUBm5 – Compact Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

The ECOSUBm5 is a portable, fully autonomous platform designed for efficient data collection and exploration. Its compact size and automation capabilities make it highly effective for long-duration and close-proximity missions.

Core Features and Equipment

• Low-Light HD Camera: Enables high-definition imaging in low-visibility conditions.
• Marine Sonic Sea Scan® ARC Scout Mk II Side Scan Sonar (1800 kHz): Provides high-resolution sonar images of the seabed.
• Sonardyne AvTrak 6 Nano Transceiver: Delivers acoustic positioning and communication for precise tracking.
• Water Linked DVL A-50: Ensures accurate navigation and stable positioning during missions.

BlueROV Systems – Modular Inspection and Survey Vehicles

The BlueROV series offers highly customizable underwater platforms for inspection and monitoring tasks. These vehicles are ideal for close-up surveys, environmental research and targeted operations.

Core Features and Equipment

• Modular Sensor Integration: Supports sonar, cameras and environmental sensors.
• HD Cameras: Provide clear real-time video feeds for visual inspection.
• Lightweight: Low demands for operating crew and vessel.

Applications and Use Cases

1. Seafloor Mapping and Exploration
   • High-resolution sonar, LiDAR and cameras across all vehicles allow for detailed mapping of underwater terrains and habitats.
2. Infrastructure Inspection
   • The Inspection Class ROV and BlueROV systems are ideal for inspecting pipelines, cables and offshore structures, with the ROV’s manipulator arm enabling direct interaction.
3. Environmental Monitoring
   • Sensors integrated with various platforms support water quality assessment, sediment transport studies and biodiversity research.
4. Object Detection and Recovery
   • Sonar, cameras and navigation systems enable precise location, classification and recovery of underwater objects, including debris and UXO.
5. Safe Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
   • Obstacle detection systems across platforms ensure collision-free operations in complex environments.
6. Data Collection for AI and Machine Learning
   • Platforms generate structured, high-quality datasets for machine learning model training, supporting automated detection and classification tasks.

Supporting Infrastructure and System Features

• DVL and Acoustic Positioning: Systems like the Nortek Nucleus 1000 and Water Linked A-50 provide stable, precise navigation even in GPS-denied environments.
• Multi-Sensor Integration: Synchronized data streams from sonar, cameras and other sensors enhance data reliability and support multi-modal analysis.
• Open ROS2 Architecture: The modular software environment enables flexible integration of sensors and data processing tools.
• Deck Winch Support: The MacArtney CORMAC M5 improves operational efficiency for deployment and recovery of the Compact ROTV.

Advantages and Benefits

• Modular and Customizable Systems: Adaptable to various mission profiles with interchangeable sensors and tools.
• High-Resolution Data: Advanced sonar, LiDAR and camera systems provide accurate survey and inspection data.
• Precision Navigation: Doppler Velocity Log and acoustic positioning systems ensure reliable underwater operations.
• Automation and Autonomy: Autonomous platforms like the ECOSUBm5 reduce operational complexity and enable large-scale data collection.
• Data Integration for Research: Platforms generate datasets suitable for AI model training and advanced research.

The Digital Ocean Lab's underwater vehicle fleet is designed to support precision research, monitoring and exploration in a variety of underwater environments. These platforms enable researchers and operators to tackle complex missions with flexibility, accuracy and efficiency.