Small Scale Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle: A Comparative Analysis

The development of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) has undergone significant evolution from their early origins to their current advanced state. ROVs, along with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), represent a broad category of unmanned submersibles, distinct from manned vehicles by their design that omits human operators, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in underwater exploration. The primary distinction between ROVs and AUVs lies in tethering: ROVs are tethered to the surface for communication and power, while AUVs operate autonomously on pre-programmed paths. ROVs are classified based on size, capabilities, and applications into several categories, including Observation ROVs, Work Class Vehicles, Towed and Bottom-Crawling Vehicles, and Prototype Vehicles. Each class serves specific functions ranging from simple observation to complex underwater construction tasks. This paper presents a comparative analysis of various ROV models, highlighting their specifications such as size, material, stability, propulsion systems, and control mechanisms. Based on this comparison, a new ROV design is proposed with a focus on inspection purposes. The proposed ROV aims for a maximum depth of 5 meters, incorporating features such as live video streaming and a streamlined control system to enhance its inspection capabilities.