What is the importance of remote operated vehicles?

A lot has changed since the 1872's Challenger Expedition. For starters, scientists have discovered that there is more life on the ocean floor than previously thought. Other than that, there is the discovery of minerals, too, and the need for extensive exploration.

 However, unlike the pioneer of scientific expeditions, modern expeditions are thorough. For efficiency, the expeditions require the use of high technology. One of the techs used is the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

What are ROVs?

Remote operated vehicles are unoccupied but highly maneuverable underwater machines used to explore ocean depths by an operator on the water surface. These vehicles have a video camera, sonar system, lights, and an articulating arm.

The U.S Navy first used the ROVs in the 1960s to retrieve sunken data. Since then, they have been deployed in various missions by scientists and defense forces alike.

ROVs come in different classes, with each used for a specific function.

Classes of ROVs and their use

• Observation ROV – this ROV is small and used to explore rivers, coastal waters, or lakes. They are used to test water safety before divers enter the water.
• Light Work ROV – this ROV is deployed from vessels in and accompanied by divers in exploration. They are ideal for moderate depths.
• Work Class ROV – these are more sophisticated and can explore the ocean floor where divers can’t reach.
• Micro or Mini ROV – this is the smallest class of ROVs. Researchers use it to explore shallow areas where divers can't fit.

Importance of using remote operated vehicles

Using ROVs is important since they are:

1) Quick to deploy

Since they are easy to operate and compact in design, you can deploy these vehicles at a moment's notice should the need arise. This feature comes in handy in urgent situations.

2) Safe

The ROVs offer the best alternative to human divers. Researchers can deploy ROVs to ocean depth that is fatal to human beings. When a dive must be present, these vehicles inspect the safety level before divers embark on the mission.

3) Able to fit into confined areas

Some of the ROVs are small in size hence can maneuver into confined areas to collect data. This feature comes in handy when collecting data in areas where divers can't fit.

4) Meant for extended dive times

Unlike humans, who can only remain in the water for a maximum of one hour, these machines only need longer battery life. This feature makes them efficient and cuts costs on the need of many divers to complete a more extended mission.

5) Equipped with video recording capabilities

ROVs are equipped with high-resolution cameras for data collection. They record and take videos even in dark and murky waters.

6) Cost-effective

These unoccupied vehicles are cost-effective if you compare them to other larger submersibles. If you want to collect data in narrow underwater, you can deploy a micro ROV. You will find it cheaper and effective.

Apart from scientific exploration, ROVs can be used in aquaculture, municipal infrastructure inspection, military, and commercial or salvage diving. This piece of tech is revolutionary, as you have seen in its importance. It is a must-have for any professional that operates on or underwater. Get yours now.