MBARI’s robotic vehicles

ROV Ventana launched with mapping AUV

Remotely operated vehicle Ventana launched with the mapping autonomous underwater vehicle.

MBARI researchers have designed and made extensive use of these high-tech robotic vehicles as an alternative to sending humans down into the depths:

  • Remotely operated vehicles, which are controlled through a tether to the sea surface.
  • Autonomous underwater vehicles, which are programmed at the surface and navigate through the water on their own.
  • Autonomous surface vehicles, such as the self-propelled Wave Glider.

Remotely operated vehicles

ROVs are robotic submarines that are tethered to a ship, where "pilots" control their movement and actions.