Aquabotix Christens Underwater Hybrid Drone

Australian start-up Aquabotix is making waves with the launch of its second-generation hybrid, underwater drone.

The company says the new Integra AUV/ROV (autonomous underwater vehicle/remotely operated vehicle) will allow users to “conduct multiple underwater missions, while providing a cost-efficient alternative to deploying separate AUVs and ROVs for individualized tasks.”

The Integra is equipped with configurable sensor arrays and can be deployed by a single user. Aquabotix officials say the AUV is ideal for scientific research, inspections or law-enforcement/defense ops.

“With the Integra Hybrid AUV/ROV, we have added more functionality to a single vehicle,” said Aquabotix CEO David Batista, adding:

“Because this vehicle has the brain power to conduct autonomous missions as well as detailed inspections in a single setting, operators have immediate and complete control. The introduction of the Integra AUV/ROV is the next step in the evolution of underwater vehicles.”

Highlights of the Integra include:

• Five high-torque motors
• Live Remote Control and data sharing
• Configurable sensor suite: Side scan sonar, multi-beam sonar, scanning sonar, DVL, USBL, INS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and environmental sensors available
• Sensor package including depth, temperature, orientation and GPS
• 1080p true high-definition camera with pan and tilt
• Depth rating 100m or 300m models available
• 5 pounds of payload capability
• Up to 8 hours battery life
• High Intensity LED lighting (4400 Lumens)

While the vast majority of the unmanned vehicle sector focuses on aerial UAVs, aquatic drones are diving into a growing sector targeted towards marine-based companies and researchers.

• At CES 2017, PowerVision Robot Corporation unveiled the PowerRay, an underwater drone designed to improve freshwater, saltwater or ice fishing for both casual and recreational anglers.
• In 2016, Fathom, a Michigan-based start-up, launched development of an aquatic, football-shaped drone with a model that can connect with a smart device to gather video or images underwater.
• In 2015, Search Systems Ltd., a leading UAV manufacturer in the UK, developed the Mariner 600, an unmanned multicopter with aquatic landing capability and interchangeable aerial and marine camera views.

In November, Aquabotix unleashed its flagship aquatic line, Live Remote Control. The package empowers users to pilot the Endura ROV, Hybrid AUV/ROV and Aqua Lens Connect, a networked underwater camera system, from any web browser-equipped device remotely from any location.