Underwater robots

Robots (robotics)

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History

2024: The Russian underwater drone "Neon" is presented, which can dive 50 meters

The Russian underwater drone "Neon," capable of diving to a depth of 50 meters, was presented on June 20, 2024 by the development company "Underwater Drones" (brand Trionix Lab). The new drone is designed to conduct research and measurements. Read more here.

2023

In Russia, created a combat underwater drone with a range of 1 km

On December 13, 2023, information appeared that an underwater attack drone was developed in Russia for operation in combat areas. The new drone, in particular, can be used in demining operations, etc.

According to TASS, referring to information received from an informed source in the military-industrial complex, the underwater drone is equipped with four electric engines. It can carry a payload weighing up to 5 kg on board, and the range reaches 1 km. Comprehensive tests of the machine are planned to be organized in February 2024.

Drone "Scat"

It is said that the drone is capable of monitoring hydraulic structures at depths of up to 30 m. These can be bridge supports, any pipelines, etc. The apparatus performs a survey of such structures completely independently, so that it is not necessary to call a group of divers. The use of a drone will speed up the implementation of tasks for demining water bodies. The drone is planned to be used in the zone of a special operation.

Another use of the device is the delivery of all kinds of payloads. Today, servicemen are standing near the Dnieper, respectively, they need equipment that can hit enemy targets, an underwater attack drone, the drone developers say.

This is not the first development of a combat underwater drone in Russia. So, in March 2023, Andrei Bratenkov, executive director of the Spektr Engineering design bureau, announced the creation of a remote-controlled underwater vehicle called Skat. It is designed for monitoring, demining and reconnaissance. A drone weighing approximately 4.7 kg can be used when lifting objects from a depth of up to 100 m.^[1]

In Russia, presented an underwater drone "Harpsichord," capable of diving to a depth of 6 km

In August 2023, the presentation of the scientific research autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicle (ANPA) "Harpsichord-2R" with an increased depth of immersion took place. It was developed by the Central Design Bureau Rubin (Central Design Bureau Rubin, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation). According to the developers, the novelty is distinguished by an increased diving depth: tests have confirmed that the device weighing about 4 tons is capable of diving to a working depth of about 6 thousand m. The maximum range is at least 150 km. Read more here.

New Russian underwater drone "Harpsichord-1RE" presented

At the end of May 2023, Rosoboronexport presented the Klavesin-1RE underwater unmanned vehicle, which is designed to perform survey and search operations, examine bottom objects at depths of 5 to 6000 m when operating in autonomous mode and in correction mode via a hydroacoustic communication channel from the carrier vessel.

2020: Underwater drone sales reach $4.1 billion

The global unmanned underwater drone (UUV) market brought in $4.1 billion in revenue in 2020. The market is being stimulated by increasing requirements for marine security equipment, improving underwater inspection systems, and increasing government spending on drone procurement. This was announced in mid-July 2021 by the research company P&S Intelligence.

During the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, production facilities were closed, including those that produce unmanned underwater drones. The decline in sales negatively affected the market up to the third quarter of 2020. However, since the fourth quarter, when the restrictions were lifted, production resumed, and imports and exports were allowed in several countries, the market began a gradual recovery.

Sales of underwater drones at the end of 2020 reached $4.1 billion

The underwater drone market is divided into segments: Remotely Controlled Underwater Drones (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Drones (AUVs). The AUV market generated higher revenue in the period 2015-2020. and this trend, according to P&S Intelligence researchers, will continue during 2021-2030.

Autonomous underwater drones are widely used for seabed mapping, deep exploration, pipelining, offshore drilling, cabling, and many other commercial purposes. Such devices allow exploration and production companies to easily and economically install pipes and other equipment with minimal impact on the marine environment.

Researchers call the main players in the global market for unmanned underwater drones:

• Lockheed Martin;
• Teledyne Technologies;
• Kongsberg Gruppen;
• Oceaneering International;
• Saab AB;
• Subsea 7;
• Boeing;
• Oceanserver Technology;
• Fugro.

In 2020, North America dominated the market due to the increase in the US defense budget and the introduction of advanced technologies. The use of drones by regional navies for maritime surveillance and defense continues to increase. Other key drone applications on the continent include port and harbor security, explosives detection, and mine search Unmanned^[2]

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