Innovative ROV Manipulator Powered by Artificial Intelligence to Decrease Risk in Subsea Operations

Abstract

Abstract The scope of this paper is to present a new and innovative technology to enhance the performance of subsea installation and construction activities while reducing the risk for both human life and the environment. The conventional method of conducting subsea installation in diver-accessible areas is usually by the use of saturation diving systems and teams. This poses a significant operational risk on the lives of the team, the environment, and the subsea assets in the area, along with also having operational limitations. This paper presents a technology that reduces this risk and enhances subsea installation activities altogether. The technology presented is an intelligent manipulator that can be installed on Remotely-Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The system relies on artificial intelligence, the geometry of machine making, power, and accuracy to enhance subsea installation operations. Through the use of 3D point cloud technology, the system is able to give accurate views and measurements of the surrounding environment, allowing for accurate path determination and decision making. The result of the technology is that the ROV manipulator is able to mimic human divers’ mental and physical abilities in different modes of action during subsea installation operations, especially in hazardous environments. This enables such operations to be performed faster and in a more cost-effective manner. Moreover, a key result of the use of this technology is eliminating the huge risk suffered by human divers in hazardous saturation diving environment. With the use of this technology, the industry would be able to utilize ROVs to conduct diver-less subsea installation activities in a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective manner than by using saturation diving systems and teams.