While most drone companies are looking to the skies at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, PowerVision Robot Corporation is casting its future underwater.
The company – makers of both PowerEgg and PowerEye drones – on Tuesday unveiled the PowerRay, an underwater drone designed to improve freshwater, saltwater or ice fishing for both casual and recreational anglers.
“Recreational fishing is one of the lifestyle areas that has not seen major technology breakthroughs. By introducing PowerRay, PowerVision is completely changing the way we have been fishing in the past 7,000 years,” CEO Wally Zheng said in a press release.
“Through innovative the fish finding technology and features, providing the thrill of finding the catch and an immersive underwater experience through virtual reality, PowerRay is going to provide more efficiency, thrill, and fun to fishermen around the world,” Zheng added.
The PowerRay can dive down to 98 feet and its sonar module — PowerRay Fishfinder — can detect fish 131 feet away from the drone, resulting in a total range of 230 feet (while also sporting a bluish, internal fish luring light). The drone system includes an internal Wi-Fi component that can transmit data and images back to home base from as far away as 262 feet.
As with many newer drone models, PowerRay offers a mobile app for Android and iOS systems allowing users to capture real-time photos or video footage from the drone’s 4K UHD camera. The app also receives underwater data and permits users to set PowerRay’s speed, light setting, camera operation and travel mode remotely.
PowerRay also supports an optional PowerVision VR Goggle to provide “a thrilling underwater view through virtual reality technology.”
In addition, the aquatic drone can be equipped with an optional, remotely-operated bait drop. “Users can secure baits and operate the PowerRay robot to deliver the bait precisely to the desired location, monitor and control the entire fishing experience through the real-time viewing in the PowerRay Mobile App,” a spokesperson stated.
The release of fishing robots is, so far, a narrow niche for the commercial drone sector. In 2015, San Diego-based AguaDrone released a 3D-printed quadcopter designed to hover over water while carrying a sonar-based fish-finder pod that sends a wireless signal allowing anglers to target fish-filled locations.
PowerRay will be available for pre-order on Feb. 27 – no word on price as of this posting.
Jason is a longstanding contributor to DroneLife with an avid interest in all things tech. He focuses on anti-drone technologies and the public safety sector; police, fire, and search and rescue.
Beginning his career as a journalist in 1996, Jason has since written and edited thousands of engaging news articles, blog posts, press releases and online content.
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