ROVsAUVs

ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) are classes of unmanned underwater vehicles used for exploration, inspection, and data collection. ROVs are tethered to a surface support vessel and are controlled in real time by an operator, while AUVs operate autonomously following pre-programmed missions with limited surface control.

ROVs obtain power and data through an umbilical cable from the surface, enabling precise steering, real-time video feedback, and the use of manipulators or tools. AUVs carry onboard batteries and electronics, relying on inertial navigation, Doppler velocity logs, sonar, and acoustic positioning to execute planned routes without live guidance. As a result, ROVs are typically favored for complex tasks requiring human oversight or manipulation, whereas AUVs excel at long-endurance surveys and data collection over larger areas.

Common components include hulls or frames with thrusters, cameras, lights, and sensors. ROVs feature a surface-deployed tether management system and often robotic arms; AUVs emphasize robust autonomous navigation and payload bays for sensors or samples.

Applications span offshore energy and oil and gas, subsea infrastructure inspection, naval and research objectives, environmental monitoring, seabed mapping, and archaeological surveys. ROVs are widely used for intervention tasks, such as valve operations or tool deployment, while AUVs perform hydrographic surveys, habitat mapping, and data collection missions where human presence is impractical.

Operational considerations include launch and recovery from ships, dependency on weather, and the need for trained personnel. Limitations involve endurance for AUVs and the complexity and cost of ROV systems. Ongoing developments aim at hybrid concepts, improved autonomy, energy-dense batteries, and modular tooling to expand capabilities.