A flexible, multi-mode of operation, high-resolution survey platform for surface and underwater operations

This paper describes the ROVLATIS , a multi-mode of operation flexible platform for high-resolution near-seabed survey from shallow inshore waters to depths beyond 1000m. The paper further describes the operation modes of the vehicle. Special system features include: deployment flexibility for both small inshore boats and larger research vessel; fault tolerant controls; onboard computer control enabling real-time disturbance reaction, autopilot functionality and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) experimentation; and topside augmented reality operations support, simulation for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) pilot and sonar operator/hydrographer training. Vehicle and control development using the University of Limerick (UL) virtual underwater laboratory/simulation tools and hardware-in-the-loop testing is described. The paper includes test results from the March 2009 offshore sea trials with the ROVLATIS