ST607: UnI (Underwater Inspection) Robot

Anita Ahmad Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Underwater robots or also known as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) are machines that allow operators to perform underwater inspections without actually being in the water. The robot can be placed in the water and controlled remotely. In the industry, there are four main classes of ROVs which are work class ROV, light work class ROV, observation class ROV, and mini ROV. The criteria that differentiate each class are the size of the robot and its depth ratings where it can dive in a certain range from 100 meters to 300 meters for mini ROVs to as deep as 6000 meters for work class ROVs. However, current ROVs have quite large dimensions which are not suitable for inspection in confined and tight spaces. This project aims to resolve these limitations by developing an ROV that has a compact size and can be used specifically for inspection in narrow environments. The ROV will also be equipped with a camera for inspection, an ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement, and other components to ensure that it can maneuver underwater easily. In addition, it will also feature a waterproof body, user-friendly controls and a real-time video streaming for inspection purposes. With this design, underwater inspections in tight areas will be more accessible and effective.