Underwater drone

An underwater drone, also known as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) or remotely operated vehicle (ROV), is an uncrewed, submersible robotic device designed for operation in aquatic environments. It functions as a mobile sensor platform, capable of being controlled remotely by an operator, often from a surface vessel or shore station, or operating autonomously along a pre-programmed path. These systems are engineered to withstand significant water pressure and perform tasks that are dangerous, impractical, or inefficient for human divers.

The drone is deployed into the water and controlled via a tethered cable or wireless connection. A tethered system provides continuous power and real-time data transmission through an umbilical cord connecting the vehicle to the surface control unit. For wireless models, acoustic modulators are often used for communication, though with limited bandwidth and range compared to tethered options. The operator uses a control console, typically featuring a live video feed and joysticks, to pilot the vehicle. Thrusters provide propulsion and maneuverability in multiple directions (surge, sway, heave, yaw), allowing for precise navigation. Onboard sensors collect environmental data, which is either stored internally or transmitted to the operator for immediate analysis.

Pressure-Hardened Hull: A waterproof enclosure, often cylindrical, designed to protect internal electronics from water ingress and external pressure.
Thrusters: An array of electric motors with propellers that provide multidirectional movement and station-keeping stability.
Sensors and Cameras: High-definition cameras with powerful lights for visibility, supplemented by sonar systems for navigation and mapping in low-visibility conditions.
Manipulator Arm: An optional robotic arm used for interaction with the underwater environment, such as retrieving samples or performing light maintenance.
Buoyancy System: Includes syntactic foam for neutral buoyancy and sometimes ballast tanks for fine-tuning depth control.
Tether Management System: For tethered drones, a system to spool and manage the umbilical cable to prevent entanglement.

Marine Science and Research: Deployed for oceanographic data collection, marine biology observation, and seabed mapping.
Infrastructure Inspection: Used to inspect the hulls of ships, underwater pipelines, cables, dam walls, and offshore oil rig foundations for damage or corrosion.
Search and Recovery: Employed by law enforcement and salvage teams to locate and retrieve objects, evidence, or wreckage from underwater environments.
Aquaculture: Monitors fish health, inspects net integrity, and assesses stock levels within underwater pens.
* Videography and Exploration: Utilized by documentary filmmakers and hobbyists to capture high-quality footage of underwater wildlife and historic shipwrecks.