In the deep waters of the ocean, subsea inspections are a vital part of maintaining the integrity of underwater infrastructure. But these inspections can be time-consuming and costly, with the need for manned vessels and divers. That’s where DeepOcean comes in, with its Autonomous Inspection Drone (AID) that promises to revolutionize subsea inspections.
The AID is a collaboration between DeepOcean, Argus Remote Systems, and Vaarst, with support from Aker BP. It is based on the Rover MK2 ROV from Argus, with upgraded hardware and software packages that enable higher-quality and more precise data.
Argus is responsible for the AID platform and navigation algorithm, while DeepOcean is in charge of the digital twin platform, mission planner software, and live view of the AID in operation. Vaarst has contributed the machine vision camera Subslam 2x for autonomous navigation and data collection. The drone is compact, measuring 1.25 x 0.85 x 0.77 m and weighing 320 kg in air. It can operate in water depths up to 3,000 m, travel in DP mode, and has station-keeping and remote control capabilities.
What sets the AID apart from other subsea inspection tools is its ability to provide real-time data that can be streamed onshore for increased situational awareness. This allows operators to make informed decisions quickly about maintenance or repairs needed on underwater infrastructure. The vehicle’s position continuously sent back into the digital twin also enhances safety during operations by providing better visibility into potential hazards or obstacles that may be difficult to detect from a distance or through a small screen window.
Recently, the AID successfully completed subsea trials at Aker BP’s Alvheim Field in the Norwegian North Sea. During a 10-day campaign, it inspected subsea trees and other infrastructure while operations were supervised remotely from both the Edda Fauna vessel and Remota’s remote operations center in Haugesund, Norway.
Overall, DeepOcean’s Autonomous Inspection Drone (AID) promises to transform subsea inspection processes by providing more cost-efficient solutions with higher-quality data than ever before possible before now.
In conclusion ,the development of Autonomous Inspection Drone (AID) by DeepOcean along with its partners Argus Remote Systems & Vaarst has revolutionized subsea inspection process by providing higher quality data at lower costs . The drone’s compact size , advanced features such as real time streaming of data onshore , machine vision camera Subslam 2x for autonomous navigation & data collection along with station keeping & remote control capabilities makes it an ideal tool for underwater inspectors .