Description: Underwater robotics is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, and use of robots in underwater environments. These robots, which can be autonomous or remotely operated, are designed to operate under extreme conditions where pressure, temperature, and visibility are challenging. Underwater robotics combines principles of engineering, computer science, and biology to create machines that can perform complex tasks such as ocean exploration, inspection of underwater infrastructure, and collection of scientific data. Underwater robots can be of different types, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), each with specific features that allow them to adapt to various missions. The importance of underwater robotics lies in its ability to access areas that are inaccessible or dangerous for humans, thus facilitating research and exploration of the oceans, which cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. Additionally, these robots are valuable tools in various industries such as oil and gas, environmental research, and underwater archaeology, contributing to a better understanding of marine ecosystems and the preservation of natural resources.
History: Underwater robotics began to develop in the 1950s with the creation of the first remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater exploration. One significant milestone was the use of the ROV ‘Alvin’ in 1964, which allowed for exploration of the ocean floor and research on shipwrecks. Over the decades, technology has advanced significantly, with the introduction of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the 1990s, which have expanded exploration and data collection capabilities in marine environments.
Uses: Underwater robotics is used in a variety of applications, including scientific exploration of the oceans, inspection of underwater infrastructure such as pipelines and telecommunications cables, search and recovery of lost objects, and environmental research to monitor the health of marine ecosystems. It is also employed in underwater archaeology to study shipwrecks and historical remains.
Examples: Examples of underwater robotics include the ROV ‘Alvin’, which has conducted numerous scientific expeditions, and the AUV ‘Sentry’, used to map the ocean floor and collect data in hard-to-reach areas. Another example is the ROV ‘Jason’, which has been instrumental in exploring hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor.
