Development and Field Testing of a Smart Support System for ROV Operators

Abstract

The article considers the issues of development of a smart system for supporting activities of ROV operators and its practical implementation for the efficient operation a ROV Comanche 18 that is based on the R/V Akademik M.A. Lavrentiev. The system uses algorithms that provide coordinated movements of the ROV and its depressor unit. These algorithms are designed for ROVs to make synchronous, accurate, and accident-free movements along long-distance routes even when launched from a support vessel without dynamic positioning (DP). For this, the operator receives real-time visual recommendations and warnings generated on the basis of the expert evaluation of information coming from various sensors and positioning systems. The ability to plan routes of the ROV and its mothership, inputting target points, saving maps, tracks, and locations of the detected underwater objects are also implemented in the designed system. The article presents the results of successful tests carried out during a deep-sea research expedition of the A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology FEB RAS in the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean. The created smart support system for ROV operators significantly extends the range of capabilities of ROVs performing many unique underwater operations, while significantly reducing their operating time.

Methodologies and Handling Techniques of Large-Scale Information in Decision Support Systems for Complex Missions

“…The system aims to optimize the allocation of police resources by predicting crime risks and efficiently distributing police officers across patrol areas. The authors of [36] discuss the development and successful implementation of an advanced smart support system for operators of remotely operated vehicles, particularly those designed for navigating long-distance routes synchronously, accurately, and safely. Lastly, the study presented in [37] focuses on the development and implementation of a DSS designed for a low-voltage grid that integrates renewable energy sources, specifically photovoltaic panels and wind turbines.…”

Enhancing Underwater Robot Manipulators with a Hybrid Sliding Mode Controller and Neural-Fuzzy Algorithm

“…This study emphasizes the significance of unmanned underwater machines. These scholarly documents collectively explore remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for inspection purposes, encompassing a comprehensive review of inspection-class ROVs, the development of an intelligent support system for ROV operators to enhance real-world performance, and the introduction of a novel control method utilizing terminal sliding mode and dynamic damping to improve fault tolerance and predictive capabilities for tracked ROVs [1][2][3], highlighting the roles of robotic arms. These studies also investigate the impact of machining trajectory on grinding force for complex-shaped stone by a robotic manipulator, apply adaptive neural-PID visual servoing tracking control using an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), and model impedance control with limited interaction power for a 2R planar robot arm [4][5][6] or manipulators [7,8] in conducting complex underwater tasks beyond human reach.…”

Theory, Method and Engineering Application of Computational Mechanics in Offshore Structures

“…Konoplin et al [12] investigated the design, software implementation, and field tests of the new multipurpose system for the smart support of activities of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operators. Experimental field studies conducted during deep-sea research expeditions to the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean confirm that the system can provide operators with intellectual and informational support, missing planning, and also recommendations and warnings about the possible emergency situations.…”