An epic underwater adventure is lined up for 2021 when RMS Titanic Inc will use a dual-ROV system to dive on the Titanic, 109 years after it sank. The expedition’s objective is to recover the Marconi Wireless Telegraph from inside the ship. More details at:
ROV is “not a ship”
Interesting ruling last week by the Federal Court of Australia that an ROV is legally “not a ship” under the Australian Admiralty Act 1988:
ROVs for rescue operations
Emergency services are turning to ROVs to improve diver safety during underwater rescue operations:
LAKE GENEVA REGIONAL NEWS, Connor Carynski, 08jan20: [Fontana Fire and Rescue Department] Fire Chief Wolfgang Nitsch said the [remotely operated vehicle] device — outfitted with a camera, sonar and remote-controlled arm — is able to begin underwater searches quicker than divers during critical moments when a victim may be submerged.
“With this device, we could get it in the water within two to three minutes, it doesn’t take long to set up, and with some training, it will be an even shorter period of time,” Nitsch said. “We can send it down and it can start search patterns, looking for individuals who might be beneath the surface.”
The ROV can also be used to scout areas that may be hazardous for divers or in low-visibility waters.
“We can send it down in areas for risk-benefit analysis where it might not be the best place for a diver to be,” Nitsch said. “A machine is replaceable if something happened to it, whereas a diver issue can be traumatic.”
Shipping BlueROV2
We just want to remind you all that Blue Robotics has updated their recommendations for shipping the BlueROV2. Remember to:
- Remove vent during shipment
- Wherever possible, avoid transporting the ROV in high temperature environments
- Inspect cable penetrators carefully before each dive, especially after transportation
- Perform a vacuum test BEFORE EACH DIVE
- Lift the ROV only from the tether (with strain relief in place). Do not lift from any other cables.
MATE ROV Competitors design low-cost ventilators
What an awesome use for budding robotics skills in this pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly disrupted formal education for millions of students, including many who participate in the MATE ROV competitions. Grant Kahl and Eric Love are two former members of Kepler Enterprises who stayed connected with their MATE ROV competition teammates when they were forced to return home from college. All 10 members of Kepler Enterprises got together to create a self-directed project-based learning experience that no instructor or classroom could replicate.
businessinsider.com 30jun20