There are so many options for ocean technology in the current market which can leave most with questions. Do you choose an AUV or ROV? What has more autonomy for what you’re trying to achieve? Are there payload options? and it can be hard to know where to start.
We’ve pulled together a snapshot of what we offer in underwater robotics, showing how autonomous vehicles and carefully selected payloads can come together to support real missions at sea. It’s all about making complex operations feel simpler, more connected, and ready for whatever the ocean has in store.
Perfect pairings
When it comes to underwater vehicles, they are intelligent and robust alone but there is always room for optional payloads depending on what the goal of the mission.
ROVs, AUVs and USVs are often paired with sensors, imaging systems and tools that expand what’s possible underwater. Whether it’s adding high-resolution cameras, integrating sonar, or enabling precise manipulation by using manipulator arms, each combination is shaped around the mission.
Built to work together
From inspection to mapping, and from rapid deployment to long-duration surveys, our systems are designed to integrate seamlessly.
Here are a few of the pairings we think work seamlessly together, we break down which autonomous vehicle completes different ocean exploration task. Each one brings together proven technology to solve real challenges in ocean science, offshore operations and defence.
ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)
ROVs use a tether and are remotely controlled by an operator above sea level. Typically, its controlled from a ship/platform using a physical cable that connects the ROV to the controller. This is done for easy manoeuvrability which is essential for inspection, intervention and delicate tasks.
ROVs are ideal for:
- Underwater inspection & maintenance
- Marine research & exploration
- Search & recovery operations
- Offshore energy support (installation and subsea cable repair)
Goes well with
SRS Fusion ROV + UVision UScanner camera + Reach Robotics manipulator arms = fully equipped ROV missions
Combining SRS’s hybrid ROV platform with the UVision camera and Reach Robotics arms creates a capable, well-rounded system ready to take on complex deployments, even in adverse conditions.
AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle)
AUVs are autonomously controlled above the surface and can be programmed or remote controlled, AUVs do not require a tether. AUVs have impressive range and flexibility, reaching depths of over 300m below the surface.
For detailed survey work, AUVs can be equipped with payloads such as side scan sonar, camera systems and doppler velocity loggers (DVLs), allowing them to capture high-quality seabed and environmental data across extended ranges.
AUVs are ideal for:
- Environmental observation and monitoring
- Seabed mapping
- Extended missions in deep-sea or remote locations
Goes well with:
Seaber YUCO PAM + RS Aqua Porpoise Passive Acoustic Recorder = Deep Sea listening
Using Porpoise is a great addition to any AUV to sample sound across wide areas of the ocean.
USV (Uncrewed Surface Vehicle) for defence
USVs provide a flexible, low-risk way to carry out maritime defence operations. Operating at the surface, they can be deployed quickly and controlled remotely, making them ideal for wide-area coverage.
With high-speed capabilities, USVs can be used to investigate contacts, support interception missions, or act as forward assets in dynamic situations.
Defence missions:
- Maritime domain awareness (MDA)
- Interception and threat identification
- Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
For optimal missions:
Seasats Base Model + Nortek ADCP = Rapid, remote maritime surveillance and security
USV’s for hydrographic surveys
With long-duration capability and low-cost deployment, USVs are an efficient solution for hydrographic surveys. Their ability to operate without onboard crew makes them particularly well suited to projects in shallow or hard-to-access areas such as harbours, sheltered coasts, inland waters and estuaries.
USV’s for Hydrography:
- Bathymetric surveying and seabed mapping
- Shallow water and nearshore surveys
- Hydrographic data collection and monitoring
Goes well with:
Maritime Robotics Otter + RBR brevio³ =Autonomous coastal survey platform with real time water quality monitoring
Bringing it all together
No two missions are the same. That’s why the best results come from choosing systems and payloads that are designed to work together. Whether the goal is inspection, mapping, monitoring or defence, we can help build the right combination for the task.
Get in touch if you want to learn more about what options could support your mission.