Remotely Operated Vehicles
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are uncrewed, tethered underwater robots used for exploration, inspection, and manipulation tasks in environments where human presence is hazardous or impractical. They are equipped with cameras, sensors, and manipulator arms, controlled by operators on a surface vessel via a cable that provides power, communication, and data transmission. ROVs are essential in industries like offshore oil and gas, marine research, underwater construction, and search and recovery operations.
Developers should learn about ROVs when working on robotics, automation, or underwater technology projects, as they involve integrating hardware (e.g., thrusters, sensors) with software for control systems, data processing, and telemetry. Use cases include developing control interfaces, implementing autonomous navigation algorithms, or processing real-time sensor data from underwater missions. This skill is valuable in fields like oceanography, defense, and industrial inspection, where remote operation reduces risks and costs.