mROV

Medium-size Remotely Operated Vehicle

Fact Sheet

Download mROV Fact Sheet

New underwater vehicles in development at WHOI
Oceanus magazine

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mROV

The renderings and information shown on this page are preliminary. Please contact Andy Bowen at abowen@whoi.edu or Molly Curran at mcurran@whoi.edu with questions or interest.

Pioneering Development of ROVs

mROV draws on decades of WHOI leadership in underwater vehicle design, operation, and innovation, including decades of experience with Jason, the world's premiere scientific ROV.

Expanding Access to the Sea

The mROV system's compact configuration makes it available for use on a wider range of vessels, putting it within reach of more scientists, particularly early-career scientists, in more places to address a broader array of research questions.

Forging New Partnerships

WHOI is partnering with software developer Greensea IQ to deliver a robust, fully supported control system that combines the reliability of a commercial product with the adaptability of a science-driven application.

Optimized Operational Model

By utilizing existing shipboard facilities, over-boarding equipment, and personnel, mROV will ship in two standard 20 footcontainers and require only one container and a docking head on the vessel. This model deck space requirements, shipping costs, and personnel needs.

Remote Operations, Monitoring, and Component Lifecycle Management

mROV incorporates an advanced and resilient system long-range remote operations, enabling comprehensive component monitoring, land-based accessibility, and using automation to enhance both performance and consistency.

Payloads, Sensors, & Technical Details

General Specifications

Depth	4000 m
Size (approx.)	93”L x 62”W x 83”H
Weight	7000 lbs.
Speed	.5 m/s fore and aft, .2 m/s lat, .5 m/s vert.

Sensors and Sampling Payload

CTD	Seabird SBE 49 FastCAT
Sound velocity	Valeport miniSVS
Oxygen sensor	Aanderaa optode
Temp probe	WHOI NDSF Design
Magnetometer	APS 22-bit 3-axis Fluxgate
Additional payload cap.	300 lbs. wet weight

Dual 7-function manipulator arms
Extendable basket and aft payload bay
Multi-chamber suction sampler
Bio-boxes & push-cores
Power, communication, and hydraulic ports for auxiliary sensor and sampling integration

Navigation

Hardware INS	iXblue Rovins Nano
DVL	Nortek 500
Heading reference	Fiberpro FG150
Backup AHRS	Sparton M2
USBL transponder	Sonardyne WMT6
Depth sensor	Paroscientific
Altimeter	Kongsberg 1107
Surface recovery	eosNemo-X

Lighting and Imaging

Imaging sonar	Blueprint Oculus MD750d
4k camera	Insite Pacific Mini Zeus 4k
HD/SD cameras	DSPL Multi Seacam
Pan & tilts	ROS Accu-Positioner
Scaling lasers	SubCImaging Mantaray
Lights	DSPL SLS-7200

Propulsion

Mission-specific thruster configuration
7-9 sub-Atlantic (FET) Brushless 5 kW thrusters

Software

Greensea IQ OPENSEA® software platform
OPENSEA library
OPENSEA applications
Collaborator applications
Cross-platform compatible

Data

National Deep Submergence Facility standard data package
Utilizing relational databases to generate data package.
Communications managed using abstracted Publish/Subscribe protocol using LCM
Can accommodate ROS/DDS bridge.

Remote Operations

GSIQ long-range standoff command & control (SAFE C2) technology
Remote performance monitoring and control experience.
Remote video, audio, and pilot control

Shipping

Entire system will ship in two 20’ shipping containers

Over boarding

System will utilize shipboard equipment whenever possible, including winch, cable, and A-frame
Deploys on .681” UNOLS EOM cable (up to 10 km)
Custom docking head to increase safety and reduce deck personnel during launch and recovery