Oceanbotics made a huge splash when it first launched the 'SRV-8' underwater ROV back in 2020, but the company is now pushing the envelope even farther with the launch of the 'SRV-8X Optimus,' an underwater drone that is designed to be able to carry out a wide array of activities ranging from reconnaissance to data-collection.
The 'SRV-8X Optimus' is an underwater drone that makes use of a pair of lithium batteries that are capable of allowing for up to eight hours of operation on a full charge. Elsewhere, the 'SRV-8X' is considerably larger than its predecessor, weighing in at 25 kg and measuring in with dimensions of 64 x 51 x 43 cm.
Some of its special features include an ability to handle depths of up to half a kilometer, not to mention a quadrant of powerful LED lights that offer a total of 6,000 lumens of brightness. The drone can be controlled by a remote operator using an X-box controller with the help of a live video feed from the drone's HD camera.
This collection of features makes this underwater drone ideal for various applications including bridge inspection, seafloor monitoring and reconnaissance.
Image Credit: Oceanbotics
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Underwater Robotics
- The 'SRV-8X Optimus' showcases the growing trend of using underwater drones for diverse applications.
- Extended Efficiency
- The eight hours of operation that the 'SRV-8X Optimus' can provide highlights the trend of extending the battery life of drones.
- Versatile Applications
- The multiple uses for the 'SRV-8X Optimus', including bridge inspection, seafloor monitoring and reconnaissance, indicate a trend towards creating drones with versatile applications.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Marine Engineering
- The 'SRV-8X Optimus' introduces a new innovation milestone for marine engineering industries who can expand data collection capabilities with underwater drones.
- Defense and Security
- With its live video feed and powerful lighting system, the 'SRV-8X Optimus' sets disruptive innovation opportunities for defense and security industries looking to expand reconnaissance capabilities.
- Infrastructure Inspections
- The 'SRV-8X Optimus' highlights the disruptive innovation potential for infrastructure inspection industries with regards to monitoring underwater infrastructure like bridges and ports.
