Background

Background Information

Underwater remotely operated vehicles are most commonly used to do what humans are unable to do underwater. They are unoccupied, highly maneuverable, and are controlled by someone aboard a surface vessel. They are attached to the vessel by a tether and are commonly equipped with two cameras, robotic arms, and lights to gather information (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

Underwater ROVs can range in size from that of a bread box to the size of a small truck. Smaller ROVs such as micro and mini (aka eyeball) are used as diver alternatives. They are given the name eyeball to differentiate them from other ROVs that would be able to perform intervention tasks. General ROVs typically have less than 5 horsepower of propulsion and generally have one three fingered hand to accomplish small tasks. They usually don’t go deeper than 1000m (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

Light workclass and high workclass ROVs are each able to carry some manipulators. They cannot work below 2000m and 3500m. the last class of ROVs is the Trenching/Burial. They have more than 200 horsepower of propulsion and have the ability to carry a cable laying sled and work at depths up to 6000m (Remotely Operated Vehicle) .

Although there are different classifications for underwater ROVs all are made for different purposes. Some ROVs are kept aboard the ship to be used in emergency. For instance if the ship becomes entangled or otherwise incapacitated the ROV can be sent to investigate so the crew knows how to react. Another use for ROVs is science objectives and support exploration. When the water is too dangerous for a submersible or for divers the ROV can be sent to explore and collect data. It can also be used to confirm that a dive site is safe before a sub is deployed, limiting risk to the expensive subs and their pilots (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

In all no matter what classification an underwater ROV is they are designed to perform specific tasks that the creator wants it to do, from investigating dive sites before more complex and expensive submersibles are deployed or to collect small amounts of data from a specific area (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

There are many different types of remote controls, including radio, ultrasonic, laser, mechanical, and infrared controls. When controlling vehicles like cars, boats and planes, radio controls are most often used. Ultrasonic control is used in telephone answering machines and in some television sets. Guided weapons such as bombs and missiles generally use laser control. Mechanical control is used in handling radioactive materials and Infrared control uses a photodetector in most televisions, VCR's, stereos, and car audio systems.