January 5, 2025
AI assisted ROV operation probe with floodlight and top view
Introduction
Achieve safe ROV navigation with top-view, flood light and more accurate positioning.
Apply AI logic to any camera, even the stream from the ROV camera. Multi-monitor allows simultaneous AI feedback, top view and ROV view.
We are venturing into deeper waters with the development of our ROV Assistant, an innovative tool designed to enhance underwater ROV exploration. This assistant probe is engineered to hover above the ROV, providing precise positioning, a comprehensive top view, and enhanced floodlighting. Equipped with advanced AI analytics capabilities, it can process data from both the ROV camera and the top-view cameras in real-time. This data is transmitted through the umbilical cord to the control station, delivering valuable analytics and facilitating seamless communication between the ROV and the surface control console.
Problems to solve
Visibility
When navigating an ROV below 30-40 meters, or even less, lighting conditions become poor. Debris easily reflects back from the ROV headlights, making the line of sight short, and the target might not be visible before reaching a couple of meters from the target. The more angle you provide between the light and the camera, the further you can see, and the reflection of debris is minimized.
The ROV assistant will provide a 360° top floodlight, lighting up the work area from a different angle than the ROV headlights. This will light up the work area from above and provide a much safer operational area for the ROV.
Navigation/positioning
GPS does not work below the surface; an acoustic positioning device must be used in order to provide location data to the ROV. When navigating without a positioning device, currents and low visibility make it a challenging task to reach the required destination.
The reasonably heavy-weighted ROV assistant will be attached by a wire ship containing a GPS position device. The angle of the wire will provide a close to accurate position of the ROV assistant. Extending the ROV position with lasers can even provide accurate positions all the way to the seabed.
Stuck umbilical cable
When operating an ROV, video signals must travel through an umbilical cable. Wireless signals do not easily transfer through water. This umbilical cable can get stuck in the surrounding environment.
While operating the ROV on a shorter umbilical cable attached to the ROV assistant, the top view camera will have a full overview of the umbilical cable and ensure safe navigation between obstacles.
Example Projects We Can Assist You With
Shipwreck Survey
Our ROV Assistant can support your shipwreck survey projects by investigating and collecting contamination samples, as well as providing a detailed assessment of vessel damages or wreck status. If the site is near our location, our vessel can conduct the investigation and deliver comprehensive survey results.
Protected Area Survey
We can assist in surveying protected marine areas, offering insights into environmental conditions, biodiversity, and potential threats. Our ROV Assistant ensures accurate data collection and analysis to support conservation efforts.
Underwater Infrastructure Inspection
We can assist in inspecting underwater infrastructure such as pipelines, cables, and offshore platforms. Our ROV Assistant provides precise positioning and real-time analytics to ensure thorough inspections and identify potential issues.
Marine Habitat Mapping
Our ROV Assistant can support projects focused on mapping marine habitats, providing detailed imagery and data on seafloor topography, vegetation, and marine life. This information is crucial for environmental assessments and habitat conservation planning.
Archaeological Exploration
For underwater archaeological projects, our ROV Assistant can help document and analyze submerged sites and artifacts. The top-view and floodlighting capabilities ensure clear visibility and accurate data collection.
Environmental Monitoring
We can assist in long-term environmental monitoring projects by collecting data on water quality, temperature, and other parameters. Our ROV Assistant facilitates continuous data collection and analysis to track changes in marine environments.
If needed, we can operate from a local vessel near you. Let us know your project needs, and we will tailor our services to meet your specific requirements.
Project Status
The wiring is nearly complete, awaiting the manufacturing of body parts. The video dome is rated for 500m, and the body will be made to allow the same.
At this stage, we are nearing the launch of the ROV Assistant. Our initial tests will focus on investigating shipwrecks that are not easily accessible to divers, offering improved lighting and reducing the risk of entanglement.
- Status: Early stage
- Initial Test Date: Expected February 2025
- Initial Test Scenario: Operate the ROV with a top view to investigate a local shipwreck
- Benefits to ROV Operation: Top floodlight provides a much clearer view. The top view helps keep track of the umbilical cord to ensure it doesn't get entangled. More accurate ROV positioning without the need for an acoustic positioning device.
Components included in the prototype
Powerful microcomputer
Our AI dongle: A powerful cost-efficient industrial grade plug and play network device allowing implementation of AI analysis into monitoring systems. With this device, the ROV Assistant is equipped with a powerful microcomputer and a highly capable AI processor, ready to tackle a wide range of future tasks. These tasks include object counting, measurements, sample collection, and potentially autonomous ROV operation.
High-resolution cameras
A wide-angle camera in combination with a tele lens camera allows the ROV assistant to have an overview and a capability to focus on details further away.
Shape recognition and object counting
The AI processor allows for a wide range of AI models to be used. Shape recognition can alert when a top view is needed and when top view requires attention. Object or specimen counting can assist scientists in getting an overview of colonies and their growth rate. The AI real-time capabilities also operate on the video stream from the ROV camera for up-close investigations and can provide real-time information, on screen, up to the surface operator.
Modular design
The idea is to create modular compartments where the design and parts can be reused for other purposes. The further plan is to extend the ROV assistant with its own propulsion module so it can more accurately position itself above targets, sonar scan areas, and go off on its own exploration missions. Another project in progress is to allow it to operate water sampling modules and a bottom sediment sample module to collect scientific data.
The components are the same as used in our Sinker Probe project
Stay tuned for updates and insights as we continue to develop and enhance the capabilities of the MV Jorgen Amundsen's ROV Assistant. Your support and interest are invaluable as we explore the future of underwater exploration.