Design and Fabrication of a Low-Cost Multi-Purpose Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle

Abstract

Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) are emerging potential technology for ocean research, environmental and geochemical studies, mine hunting, surveillance, and commercial usage. Due to their affordability, simplicity in handling and deployment, appropriateness for deep-sea diving, increased mobility, and ability to operate in harsh settings, underwater vehicles—both autonomous and remotely controlled—have grown in popularity. The goal is to develop and test a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that is lightweight, affordable, and capable of conducting surveys in shallow waters. The design, production, and experimental findings of such an ROV are the focus of this paper. The mechanical design, thruster characteristics, electrical systems, and software architecture of the graphical user interface (GUI) for the proposed vehicle are all thoroughly explained. In contrast to autonomous underwater vehicles, the planned ROV is totally controlled from the base station using a live camera feed and other sensors (AUV). In contrast to the majority of AUVs, it provides real-time results from its various sensors and takes human commands via two-way communication. Comprehensively addressed, the results and answers are provided. Constraints on the mechanical design’s weight and portability, electronics’ power requirements, and the length of the umbilical cord are all addressed. It is also explored how to strengthen the paradigm and make it a for-profit enterprise with more improvements.