Three years ago, I heard about Oceanbotics’ SRV-8. This is a small but powerful underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). Now, there’s a much sturdier brother in the form of SRV-8X Optimus.
The SRV-8X is 64 cm long, 51 cm wide, 43 cm high (25 x 20 x 17 inches) and weighs 25 kg (55 lbs), twice the size of the SRV-8. That said, it’s small enough to fit somewhere between a fully operational ROV and a high-end underwater drone.
The SRV-8X additionally delivers 2.5 times more thrust than its predecessor via eight vectorized brushless DC thrusters.
Also, unlike externally powered ROVs, this One is powered by two onboard replaceable lithium batteries (claimed to have 8 hours of run time on a single charge). This means that a tether is still required for communication with the topside operator, but that tether need not be thick and bulky enough to double as a power cable.
Speaking of which, the SRV-8 comes with a 100 m (328 ft) tether, while the SRV-8X has a 250 m (820 ft) tether length. Used to deepen.
ocean botics
Other features of the SRV-8X include a depth rating of 500m/1,640ft (as opposed to 305m/1,000ft for the SRV-8). Four LED spotlights outputting a total of 6,000 lumens (as opposed to two lights and 3,000 lumens). A manipulator arm with interchangeable heads. Doubles the number of external sensor inputs.
Operators remotely control the ROV via the included X-Box controller, guided by a live feed from an on-board 1080p camera. If you use the separately sold jet fighter-like “flight stick”, you can operate the remote control with one hand.
As with the SRV-8, the SRV-8X Optimus is designed for applications such as reconnaissance, inspection of underwater structures (piers, piers, pipelines, etc.), and search and recovery of objects from the seafloor. No word on pricing.
In the video below you can see the ROV goofing around in the pool.
Oceanbotics Inc SRV8X
Source: Ocean Botics
