4500 m Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV SuBastian)

Our underwater robotic research program includes a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV SuBastian) depth rated to 4,500 meters with research capabilities for use on R/V Falkor (too). The ROV is outfitted with a suite of sensors and scientific equipment to support scientific data and sample collection, as well as interactive research, experimentation, and technology development.

Vehicle operations and performance requirements have been determined based on the input from oceanographic experts in research and technology development. The ROV employs proven technologies and operational modes, and is able to conduct:

  • deployment and recovery of equipment
  • physical sample collection and recovery
  • reconnaissance operations
  • seafloor mapping
  • seawater characterization including chemical and thermal data collection
  • telepresence operations/ virtual participation
  • visually immersive remote operations with ultra-high definition (UHD) pan-zoom-tilt (PZT) camera for scientific video acquisition
General Specifications
  • Maximum depth: 4500 meters
  • Top speed: 3 knots
  • Dimensions: 2.7×2.2×1.8 meters
  • Weight in air: 3200 kilograms
  • Payload capacity: 200 kilograms
Software System
  • Greensea OPENSEA operating platform
Standard Science Sensors
  • CTD Sensor – Seabird FastCAT SBE49
  • Oxygen Sensor – Aanderaa 3841 O2 Optode
  • Temperature probe – PT100 up to 600℃
Camera Systems
  • Situational Video – SOI Z71, 4K
  • Science Camera – SULIS Subsea Z70, 4K
  • HD Cameras (4) – DSPL FlexLink HD Multi SeaCam
Sampling Systems
  • Niskin Bottles
  • Multi-Chamber Suction Sampler
  • Push Core – SOI Custom Build
  • Multichamber Insulated Bioboxes (for fragile animals)
  • Scoops, nets, knives as needed
Sonar Systems
  • Tritech – Super SeaKing DST
  • Teledyne Marine – Blueview M900
  • Kongsberg M3 Multibeam Sonar
Core Navigation Systems
  • Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – Sonardyne Lodestar
  • Inertial Navigation System (INS) – Sonardyne SPRINT
  • Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) Transponder – Sonardyne WMT
  • Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) – Sonardyne Syrinx
Science Interfaces
  • RS-232 ports up to 115 Kbps (8)
  • RS-485 ports up to 115 Kbps (2)
  • Ethernet 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet
  • The SOI Z71, 4K camera may be removed to allow access to a fiber for high speed data transfer
  • Power: 12/24 VDC and 230/115 VAC
  • At least four (4) hydraulic rate valve pack channels
  • At least two (2) hydraulic servo valve pack channels
  • At least six (6) proportional or rate hydraulic valve circuits, with adjustable pressure to 1000 psi (69bar)
  • At least two (2) Proportional hydraulic valve circuits (thruster valves), max pressure to 3000 psi (207bar)

RELATED NEWS

MEDIA and Articles

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
Santa Cruz Sentinel • April 27nd, 2016

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
Monterey Herald • April 27nd, 2016

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
The Mercury News • April 30th, 2016

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
The Daily Democrat • April 30th, 2016

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
Times-Herald News • April 30th, 2016

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
The Reporter News • April 30th, 2016

New ROV will be available to ocean scientists worldwide
The East Bay Times • April 30th, 2016

New ROV tests the waters at MBARI
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute • May 2nd, 2016

Research ship to test unmanned underwater vehicle
Guam Daily Post • July 6th, 2016

Research vessel Falkor docked on Guam
KUAM news • July 12th, 2016

MTR 100
Marine Technology Reporter • July 2016

SuBastian Will Become the Hubble of the Deep
Inverse • August 3rd, 2016

Making Waves in Marine Science
R&R Pacific Magazine • August/Sept 2016

Schmidt Selects Sonardyne Navigation for SuBastian
Marine Technology News • August 23rd, 2016

SuBastian Tests the World Under the Sea
Product Design and Development • August 23rd, 2016

Deep-sea research vessel returning to shore
KUAM News • August 23rd, 2016

New ROV SuBastian Tested in Guam
Hydro International • August 23rd, 2016

Schmidt Tests its New ROV in Guam
Marine Technology News • August 23rd, 2016

New Submersible ROV from Schmidt Ocean Institute
The Conversation: Hawaii Public Radio • August 23rd, 2016

Deepwater ROV Ready for Scientific Discovery
Maritime Executive • August 24rd, 2016

Schmidt Ocean Institute Tests New ROV
Unmanned Systems Technology • August 29rd, 2016

Schmidt Ocean Institute – Oceans 2016
Marine Technology Reporter • September 2016

This Robot Could Make Exploring Oceans Deeper, Faster, and Cheaper
National Geographic • September 9th, 2016

New Docking Head for Schmidt’s ROV SuBastian
Marine Technology News • October 17th, 2016

4500 m ROV Video Gallery and Live Dives

Stay tuned for dives broadcasted live from R/V Falkor (too) and watch videos from previous dives.