U for Underwater Robotics 🤿 🤖: Exploring the Unknown

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Readers,

Did you know that over 70% of our planet is covered by water, a vast and mysterious world that holds untold secrets and a staggering $3 trillion economy?

Yet, despite its importance, we've explored less than 5% of our oceans. The traditional methods of sending brave divers into the depths are fraught with danger and limitations.

But a new wave of explorers is on the horizon: underwater robots!

These AI-powered marvels are transforming our approach to the underwater world. They are venturing into the deepest trenches, uncovering hidden ecosystems, and even performing complex tasks in the most challenging environments.

In today’s edition of our AI Alphabet, we're diving deep into the letter "U" – for Underwater Robotics.

We'll uncover the deeply fascinating world of these aquatic robots, exploring their diverse forms, the AI technologies that empower them, and their transformative impact on oceanography, environmental monitoring, and underwater infrastructure.

So, grab your virtual scuba gear and get ready to plunge into the depths of underwater robotics! 🌊

WHAT IS AN UNDERWATER ROBOT?

Underwater robots, often called underwater drones or subsea robotics, are advanced machines designed to operate below the water's surface without direct human intervention.

These machines are designed to operate in the challenging underwater environment, offering advantages over human divers and surface-operated machines for tasks like exploration, inspection, maintenance, and scientific research.

These robots enhance our ability to explore, study, and work in aquatic environments that pose significant challenges for humans.

They can function in conditions that would be dangerous or impossible for humans, and they enable more persistent and repeatable missions.

There are two primary types of underwater robots:

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs):

A tether physically connects these robots to a surface vessel, from which human operators control their movements and actions.

This tether acts as an umbilical cord, providing a continuous supply of power and enabling real-time communication for control and data transfer.

ROVs are frequently deployed for tasks requiring accuracy, dexterity, and strength, such as inspecting and maintaining underwater infrastructure like pipelines.

Their design often prioritizes robustness and power over energy efficiency.

One limitation of ROV-based manipulation is the reliance on manual remote operation with minimal sensor feedback to guide the operator. This can make complex tasks more challenging.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs):

Unlike ROVs, AUVs operate without a physical tether to a surface vessel, granting them greater freedom of movement and the ability to cover larger distances.

They are typically battery-powered, requiring careful energy management for extended missions.

While AUVs are well-suited for tasks like surveying and data collection, their use in autonomous underwater intervention, which often requires more complex manipulation, is still a developing area of research.

One key challenge in AUV development is designing suitable manipulators and robust control strategies that can function effectively in the unpredictable underwater environment.

A notable example of an AUV is the Flatfish. It is designed for subsea inspection, monitoring, and maintenance, especially in challenging environments like deep water.

A growing area of interest is the development of subsea resident AUVs. 

These AUVs would operate from underwater docking stations, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods without needing a surface vessel to provide support. 

These docking stations would serve as hubs for recharging, data exchange, and potentially even the exchange of consumables or damaged modules.

This concept promises to significantly reduce the costs and logistical complexities associated with traditional AUV and ROV operations.

A great example of a docking station would be Hydrus AUV. Hydrus's docking station enables wireless recharging, real-time data retrieval, and remote mission control, transforming it into a persistent underwater platform for tasks like environmental monitoring and infrastructure inspection.

KEY COMPONENTS OF UNDERWATER ROBOTICS

ROVs and AUVs rely on a suite of specialized components to withstand the harsh conditions of the underwater world and effectively perform their designated tasks.

These components work together, enabling the robots to navigate, explore, and interact with the underwater environment.

Pressure-Resistant Housings: 

The immense pressure at ocean depths can crush ordinary equipment. Underwater robots rely on robust pressure-resistant housings to protect their sensitive electronic components.

These housings, typically constructed from materials like titanium steel, are designed to withstand the extreme pressures encountered at depth, ensuring the robot's internal systems remain safe and operational.

Propulsion Systems: 

Underwater robots, whether tethered ROVs or free-roaming AUVs, depend on efficient propulsion systems to move through the water. These systems typically consist of multiple thrusters, which are electrically or hydraulically powered propellers.

By strategically controlling the direction and intensity of each thruster, the robot can maneuver precisely in any direction – forward, backward, vertically, or laterally – enabling controlled movement and adjustments in its underwater positioning.

Sensors: 

Equipped with various sensors, underwater robots can gather valuable data about the underwater environment.

• Cameras provide visual information, allowing operators or AI systems to "see" underwater.

• Sonar systems use sound waves to detect objects and map the seabed, even in low visibility conditions.

• Environmental sensors can monitor water temperature, pressure, and salinity, providing insights into water conditions and the underwater environment.

Manipulators: 

Some underwater robots, primarily ROVs, come equipped with manipulator arms for tasks that demand interaction with the underwater world.

Similar to human arms, these manipulators have multiple joints and are often fitted with specialized tools or grippers at the end.

Controlled by human operators in the case of ROVs or potentially by AI systems in advanced AUVs, these manipulators allow robots to grasp and manipulate objects, collect samples, operate valves, or perform other tasks requiring physical interaction with the underwater environment.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERWATER ROBOTICS

The history of underwater robotics, or ROVs, can be traced back to the 1860s and 1950s and includes the following key events:

1864: The Programmed Underwater Vehicle (PUV) was developed by Luppis-Whitehead Automobile in Austria. The PUV was a torpedo that could propel itself through water without a driver or pilot.

1953: Dimitri Rebikoff, a French pioneer in dive equipment and photography, developed the first modern ROV, called the POODLE. The POODLE was a tethered ROV that was an unmanned adaptation of Rebikoff's dive scooter.

1960s: The U.S. Navy began using ROVs, then called Cable-Controlled Underwater Recovery Vehicles (CURVs), for deep-sea exploration and recovery. The Navy used ROVs for rescue missions that were too dangerous for sailors, such as mine hunting and mine breaking.

1980s: The offshore oil and gas industry began using ROVs to assist in offshore development. As offshore developments were built in deeper waters, ROVs became required equipment.

1985: The ROVs Argo, ANGUS, and Jason Junior discovered the Titanic shipwreck.

2009: The ROV Nereus traveled to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

Today, ROVs are used in a wide range of industries, including dam and water tank inspections, evidence recovery, pipeline maintenance, aquaculture, and drowning victim recovery.

The first AUV was the Special Purpose Underwater Research Vehicle (SPURV), created in the United States in 1957 to research the Arctic. The University of Washington used the SPURV to collect oceanographic data until 1979. 

ROLE OF AI IN UNDERWATER ROBOTICS

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming underwater robotics, empowering these robots with advanced capabilities for navigation, perception, decision-making, and adaptation to the dynamic underwater environment. AI's ability to process vast amounts of data, learn from experience, and make intelligent decisions in real time proves invaluable in the face of the challenges posed by underwater exploration.

AI enables autonomous navigation, especially in confined and challenging underwater environments. Advanced AUVs utilize AI algorithms to interpret sensor data, map their surroundings, and make real-time navigational decisions. These AI-powered navigation systems enable AUVs to operate independently, following pre-programmed mission plans, avoiding obstacles, and returning to designated locations, even without GPS or direct human control.

AI is also transforming how underwater robots perceive their surroundings. By applying machine learning techniques to data from cameras and sonar systems, AI enables these robots to "see" and interpret the underwater world with increasing sophistication. Object recognition, an essential aspect of AI-powered perception, allows robots to identify and classify objects, such as marine life, geological formations, and even man-made structures.

In addition to navigation and perception, AI empowers underwater robots with decision-making capabilities. By analyzing data from various sensors, AI algorithms can assess situations, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions about the best course of action. This is particularly critical in autonomous operations, where robots often make decisions without direct human input.

Moreover, AI plays a vital role in enabling underwater robots to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the underwater environment. Through machine learning, these robots can learn from their experiences, adjusting their behavior and responses to changing conditions, such as currents, visibility, and unexpected obstacles. This adaptability enhances the reliability and efficiency of underwater robots, making them more effective tools for exploration, research, and industry.

APPLICATIONS OF UNDERWATER ROBOTS

There are multiple applications for underwater robots across various sectors, highlighting their versatility and growing importance in exploring and interacting with the underwater world.

Ocean Exploration and Research:

• Mapping the Ocean Floor: AUVs can create detailed seafloor maps using sonar and cameras. These maps visualize the seafloor's topography, geological features, and marine habitats. One initiative, Seabed 2030, aims to produce a complete ocean floor map by 2030.

CARL-Bot (Caltech Autonomous Reinforcement Learning Robot) is a small, AI-powered underwater robot developed at Caltech, designed for autonomous ocean exploration. 

It has the ability to learn from its environment, making it suitable for navigating complex and unpredictable underwater terrains without human intervention.

• Studying Marine Life: Underwater robots observe and document marine life and ecosystems. For example, the robot "Belle" navigates coral reefs with AI, collecting DNA samples and high-resolution video. These robots also monitor fish populations, track endangered species, and study animal behavior.

• Collecting Oceanographic Data: Underwater robots are equipped with sensors to collect data on ocean currents, water temperature, salinity, and other parameters. This data helps researchers understand climate change, ocean health, and the impacts of human activity.

MeCO is a new open-source AUV platform being developed by the Minnesota Interactive Robotics and Vision Laboratory with funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. 

The team is creating MeCO to address challenges in marine conservation by leveraging AI for enhanced data collection and analysis.

Environmental Monitoring:

• Detecting Pollution: Underwater robots can help detect pollution in the ocean by collecting environmental data, monitoring the environment, and mapping coastal areas. They can also be used to find oil spills and detect heavy plastic debris.

• Inspecting Underwater Structures: Underwater robots inspect underwater structures for maintenance, such as dams, bridges, and bridge pillars. They can also inspect ship hulls.

Tethys Robotics, a Swiss start-up, specializes in automated underwater inspections using a hybrid ROV/AUV robot called Tethys ONE. 

• Monitoring Climate Change: Underwater robots, especially AUVs, are crucial in monitoring climate change. They collect data on changes in ocean temperature, salinity, and currents, which helps scientists track climate patterns. Some robots also monitor ocean acidity or sea levels.

NASA's IceNode is a project to develop a fleet of autonomous underwater robots that will measure how fast Antarctic ice shelves are melting. 

Offshore Oil and Gas Industry: The underwater robots, especially ROVs, play a crucial role in the offshore oil and gas industry. These robots perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Inspecting and Maintaining Subsea Infrastructure: ROVs equipped with cameras, sonar, and manipulators can inspect pipelines, platforms, and other underwater structures for damage, corrosion, or other issues. They can also assist in maintenance tasks, such as operating valves, cleaning, and repairing.

Qysea is a Chinese robotics company that develops underwater robots. One of their notable products is the FiFish E-Go, an underwater robot designed for inspection and monitoring tasks, especially in the oil and gas industry.

• Supporting Drilling Operations: ROVs play a vital role in supporting offshore drilling operations, assisting in tasks like guiding the drill bit, monitoring the wellhead, and inspecting the seabed.

Beam is the ‘world’s first’ fully autonomous underwater robot is piloted by AI whose primary application is underwater inspection, particularly in the offshore wind industry. The robot can autonomously survey underwater structures, identify potential issues, and provide valuable data for maintenance and repair.

• 4D Seismic Surveys: AUVs are used for 4D seismic surveys to monitor the ocean floor and collect data on how oil and gas reservoirs respond to production.

Military and Defense: Underwater robots are valuable assets in military and defense operations, where they perform tasks that are too dangerous or challenging for human divers.

BeeX is a Singapore-based company founded in 2018 by researchers at the National University of Singapore. The company develops autonomous robotics systems designed to operate underwater, primarily serving the maritime, energy, and defense sectors.

Key applications include:

• Mine Detection and Clearance: ROVs and AUVs equipped with sonar and other sensors can detect and help neutralize underwater mines, protecting naval vessels and personnel.

• Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Underwater robots can be deployed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, monitoring underwater activity, and gathering intelligence in sensitive areas.

Other Applications: There are a range of other applications for underwater robots, showcasing their versatility:

• Ship Hull Cleaning: The development of AI-powered robots designed to autonomously clean the hulls of ships, reducing biofouling, fuel costs, and environmental impact.

Scrubmarine is an underwater robot pioneered by Edinburgh scientists could be deployed to autonomously clean ships’ hulls – reducing costs and environmental damage.

• Search and Rescue Operations: Underwater robots can aid in search and rescue operations, locating shipwrecks, missing aircraft, or other objects lost at sea.

DEDAVE (Deep Diving AUV for Scientific and Commercial Applications) is an autonomous underwater vehicle developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation in Germany. Its primary use case is deep sea rescue operations. 

• Underwater Archaeology: ROVs equipped with cameras and manipulators assist archaeologists in exploring and documenting shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological sites.

• Mining: Some underwater robots are designed to cause minimal damage to the ocean floor. For example, Impossible Metals' Eureka robot uses AI to selectively harvest minerals rather than vacuum up large amounts of sediment. These robots can map flooded passages, analyze mineral concentrations, and replace humans in dangerous environments. They can extract mineral resources from flooded mines previously considered too dangerous or expensive to access. 

These diverse applications illustrate the growing importance of underwater robots across various sectors, from resource extraction and environmental monitoring to defense and scientific discovery.

As AI and robotics technology advance, we can expect even more innovative applications for these machines, further expanding our ability to explore, understand, and sustainably interact with the world's oceans.

INDIAN INNOVATIONS IN UNDERWATER ROBOTS

Here are some Indian innovations in underwater robotics:

• Plansys Technologies (Chennai, India): This company, founded in 2015 by IIT-M alumni, specializes in underwater robotic systems for inspection and maintenance. Their robots and drones are utilized for structural integrity testing underwater assets like bridges, dams, and ports. Notably, Plansys has worked with Indian Railways to inspect bridges, replacing the need for divers and demonstrating their technology's safety and data quality benefits.

• Genrobotics (Thiruvananthapuram, India): This company has developed Bandicoot, a robot designed to eliminate the need for manual scavenging in sewer manholes. Bandicoot's key features include precise cleaning, a wider grabbing area for debris, and a compact, portable design.

• EyeROV (Kochi, India): Founded by IIT alumni, EyeROV specializes in underwater drones or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for inspection tasks. They have completed over 100 underwater inspections for clients such as Tata Group, Adani Group, and Bharat Petroleum. Their ROVs inspect dams, oil and gas infrastructure, shipping vessels, bridges, and ports. The company also offers an unmanned surface vehicle and aims to expand its product line further.

• Collaboration between IIT Palakkad and IIT Mandi: These two institutions jointly developed an underwater robotic vehicle (URV) capable of exploring depths up to 300 meters. It has undergone testing in simulated and real-world environments, including support from the Indian Navy.

• A team from the Indian Institute of Technology Indore and the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur has created a jellyfish-inspired robot for underwater missions. This soft robot, made from polyamide and shape memory alloys (SMAs), aims to monitor marine life and underwater infrastructure.

• Gridbots Technologies, an Indian robotics company, has developed various robots for various industries, starting with an innovative underwater tank-cleaning robot. Their expertise extends to industrial automation, defense, robotic services, and machine vision, highlighting their commitment to addressing practical challenges through robotics.

• Developed by the NIO in Goa, the C-bot is an AUV specifically engineered for monitoring coral reefs. This robot, also known as the Coral Reef Monitoring and Surveillance Robot, represents India's initial endeavor to create a robust underwater vehicle capable of surveying the depths of the Indian Ocean. The C-bot can reach depths of up to 200 meters, enabling it to access and gather valuable data from coral reef ecosystems.

• Coratia Technologies is an underwater robotics company specializing in underwater inspection services. This startup, founded by alumni of NIT Rourkela, secured a deal on the Indian television show Shark Tank.

THE GOOD, BAD, AND THE UGLY

Benefits & Advantages

There are several key advantages of using AI-powered underwater vehicles, specifically AUVs, compared to traditional methods relying on human divers or less sophisticated ROVs:

• Enhanced Safety: AI-powered AUVs eliminate the need for human divers in hazardous underwater environments, improving safety and reducing risks.

• Cost-Effectiveness: AUVs offer cost advantages over traditional methods by streamlining operations and reducing inspection times.

• Greater Autonomy: AUVs can operate independently for extended periods and cover larger distances than tethered ROVs or human divers.

• Advanced-Data Analysis: AI enables AUVs to collect and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, providing valuable insights into the underwater world.

• Improved Environmental Monitoring: AUVs are crucial in monitoring marine ecosystems, tracking endangered species, and assessing human impact on the oceans.

Challenges & Considerations

Designing and deploying robots in the underwater world presents unique challenges due to the extreme and unpredictable nature of the environment:

• High Pressure: Robots must withstand immense pressures at depth, requiring robust housings and specialized materials.

• Corrosion: Saltwater's corrosive nature necessitates using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings.

• Low Visibility: Limited visibility underwater challenges traditional vision-based navigation, demanding alternative sensing and AI approaches.

• Unpredictable Conditions: Strong currents, changing water conditions, and marine life can disrupt navigation and task execution.

• Power Limitations: Battery life remains a constraint for AUVs, while tethered ROVs face maneuverability limitations.

• Communication Challenges: Acoustic communication, used underwater, has limited range and is susceptible to disruptions, making reliable communication difficult.

• AI Robustness: AI algorithms must handle noisy sensor data, adapt to unexpected situations, and potentially enable self-monitoring and self-repair capabilities for reliable underwater operation.

These challenges highlight the need for ongoing research and development in underwater robotics, combining robust engineering with advanced AI to create machines capable of exploring and working effectively in the challenging underwater space.

FUTURE OF UNDERWATER ROBOTICS

The future of underwater robotics will be even more exciting, driven by advancements in AI and a growing need for ocean exploration and sustainable resource management.

Enhanced Autonomy and Intelligence:

AI will empower underwater robots with greater autonomy and intelligence, enabling them to operate independently in challenging environments, conduct complex missions, and make real-time critical decisions. This includes:

• Adaptive Path Planning: Robots will dynamically adjust their course to avoid obstacles, navigate currents, and respond to unexpected events.

• Real-time System Monitoring: AI will enable robots to monitor their own systems, detect faults, and even initiate self-repair procedures.

• Multi-Robot Collaboration: Swarms of robots will collaborate to achieve complex tasks, such as mapping large areas or conducting search and rescue operations.

• Data-Driven Learning: Robots will learn from their experiences, refining navigation strategies, optimizing control systems, and enhancing object recognition capabilities.

Semantic Communication: AI will enable robots to communicate more effectively by incorporating semantic information, reducing bandwidth requirements, and improving reliability in challenging underwater environments. This will facilitate better coordination and collaboration in multi-robot systems.

New Applications:

AI-powered underwater robots will play a vital role in emerging fields like:

• Underwater Mining: Surveying the seabed, identifying resources, and autonomously extracting minerals.

• Aquaculture: Monitoring fish health, maintaining infrastructure, and potentially even assisting with harvesting.

• Underwater Construction: Surveying sites, transporting materials, and performing inspections and repairs for underwater structures.

Environmental Stewardship:

Underwater robots will be crucial for monitoring and protecting our oceans:

• Collecting High-Resolution Data: Gathering data on water quality, temperature, and marine life to assess ecosystem health.

• Identifying and Tracking Pollution: Detecting and monitoring sources of pollution for rapid response and mitigation.

• Contributing to Sustainability: Enabling more efficient and sustainable practices in fishing, aquaculture, and offshore energy industries.

The future of underwater robotics is bright, with AI driving innovation and enabling these machines to explore, understand, and protect our oceans in unprecedented ways.

LAST THOUGHTS

AI is the future of underwater robotics. AI integration marks a paradigm shift in the field, propelling it toward unprecedented capabilities and applications.

Key Takeaways:

• AI empowers underwater robots to overcome the challenges of extreme pressure, limited communication, and unpredictable environments.

• AI-driven autonomy enables robots to perform complex tasks, like navigating confined spaces and manipulating objects, with greater precision and efficiency.

• Underwater robots are accelerating ocean exploration, enabling scientific discovery, and transforming industrial applications like offshore energy.

The Road Ahead:

• Ongoing research focuses on enhancing autonomy, developing robust AI algorithms, integrating multi-modal sensing, and improving human-robot collaboration.

• As AI technology matures, we can expect even more sophisticated underwater robots capable of exploring the ocean depths, collecting valuable data, and performing tasks that were once considered impossible.

The advancements in AI and the increasing demand for underwater exploration and intervention drive significant investment and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.

As AI technology continues to mature, we can expect even more sophisticated and capable underwater robots to emerge, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in ocean exploration, scientific discovery, and industrial applications.

That’s all, folks! 🫡 
See you next Saturday with the letter V.