The Future of Intervention Class Vehicles for Activities Previously Limited to Divers

(Image credit: Reach Robotics)
As the world looks to the oceans for renewable energy, sustainable protein, and green transport, the need to construct and maintain critical subsea infrastructure continues to grow, with increasing complexity. In response to this challenge, a growing class of underwater vehicles for intervention activities is providing more and more capability, enabling subsea activities previously limited to divers, and fueled by technological advancements in sensing and robotics.

General Oceans was founded in 2021 with the mission of delivering advanced solutions to ocean industries globally, through a diverse portfolio of ocean technology companies. Since founding member Nortek joined with Strategic Robotic Systems, the group has grown to include Reach Robotics, Tritech International Ltd, and Klein Marine Systems. All companies share a common goal: delivering innovative products and technologies to help their customers observe, navigate, and intervene subsea.

NAVIGATING COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS

A key part of being able to successfully complete intervention tasks subsea using robotics is the ability to navigate through and around complex environments. This is a challenge faced by all sizes and types of underwater vehicle, from the largest trenchers and work class ROVs to small, man portable AUVs and micro ROVs.

To meet the needs of the growing number of smaller ROVs with intervention capabilities, Nortek developed a miniature, but highly capable all-in-one navigation sensor called the Nucleus 1000. The Nucleus combines Nortek’s trusted DVL technology with an integrated MEMS-based INS to provide crucial navigation input into vehicle control systems. Tested and operational on a wide variety of ROVs and AUVs, the Nucleus has enabled a higher level of navigation capability on smaller vehicles previously limited by size, weight and pricing constraints.

This trend in miniaturization continues with the world’s smallest forward-looking sonar, MicronGemini. Providing collision avoidance functionality, the complete sonar unit fits in the palm of your hand. Part of the reputable Gemini range, MicronGemini is adding value to small vehicles in energy and military sectors.

EFFECTIVE & EFFICIENT IMAGING

Situational awareness is a vital component of effective and efficient intervention. Having navigated to the work site using navigation sensors and long-range collision avoidance sonars, imaging sonars can then provide more detailed information to permit close range manipulation and intervention.

The Gemini range of forward-looking imaging sonars from Tritech is ubiquitous across the energy industry and used on numerous classes of ROV. The latest addition to the range, the 1200id, brings dual frequency functionality to deep sea vehicles, permitting long range imaging and close-range inspection in a single unit.

Continuing the acoustic imagery capability within the group, Klein’s reputation as the provider of the highest quality seabed imagery extends to the AUV market with the UUV3500. Successfully integrated into a wide range of subsea vehicles, the image quality matches and can exceed that observed on more traditional towfish platforms.

INTERVENTION TASKS

Previously the domain of commercial divers, the capability of manipulators has advanced to enable tasks such as valve turning and unscrewing shackles to be completed by robotic arms. Reach Robotics specializes in highly dexterous electric manipulators and the latest product release, Reach X, epitomizes years of research and learning in this complex technology space.

Originally developed for military applications, the capability of the X arms is now to the level that smaller observation class ROVs can perform tasks previously only available to work class ROVs. This miniaturization of capability supports the wider democratization of robotics in the ocean and is an exciting development for operators in the energy and scientific communities.

Recent applications using Reach’s manipulators include surface cleaning and CP testing of floating offshore wind structures with University of Girona, cleaning and inspection of flowlines and mooring lines with Geo Oceans, and pipe cleaning and CP measurement with DSMC.

INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

Moving beyond technologies designed to enhance capability into a third-party system, all three aspects of navigation, imaging and intervention are integrated into FUSION from Strategic Robotic Systems. FUSION was developed with a unique design philosophy: building a user-friendly mission-focused vehicle around a carefully selected group of sensors.

The Nucleus 1000 provides a pre-synchronized navigation sensor package. (Image credit: Nortek)

FUSION’s comprehensive sensor suite includes imaging, both acoustics through forward looking and side scan sonar and optical with cameras, navigation via DVL, AHRS and USBL, and intervention with Reach Alpha multi-function manipulators. Targeting predominantly military and security applications, with the intuitive user interface and ability to deploy ‘out of the box’ with minimal training, FUSION is a valuable tool for dive teams, coastguard, and special forces around the world.

Klein’s 5900 system is another example of an integrated ocean technology solution, this time in imaging. The 5900 system is a highspeed, high-resolution side scan sonar platform built upon the leading multibeam imaging technology that gives near-SAS level imagery. A typical use case is mine counter measures, where the system can sit as part of an integrated solution alongside the FUSION ROV fitted with a disruptor. When combined with the Spectral AI automated target recognition software, the combined system is a compact yet powerful tool in MCM.

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

As vehicle design continues to develop in new and exciting directions, and robotics are used in an increasingly diverse range of offshore tasks, the supporting navigation, imaging, and intervention technology needs to innovate to further enhance the capability of the platforms and provide the vitally important sensing input and tooling required.

General Oceans continues to embrace the challenge, working with our customers to design and deliver the next generation of technologies and solutions, enabling them to see a step change in intervention subsea.

This feature appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 Special Edition, The Future of Ocean Technology, Vol. 5, to read more access the magazine here.

Latest Issue:

With geopolitical developments continuing to shape priorities for the ocean sector, the application of uncrewed technologies…

Your cON&Tent matters. Make it count.

Send us your latest corporate news, blogs or press releases.

Search