OpenROV

OpenROV is a DIY underwater drone designed to explore underwater environments. The project was started in 2012 by Eric Stackpole and David Lang with the aim of creating an affordable, open-source ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) that could be used by anyone interested in underwater exploration.

History

The idea for OpenROV came about when Eric Stackpole, a NASA engineer, wanted to explore an underwater cave rumored to contain hidden treasure. He teamed up with David Lang, a writer and entrepreneur, to create a low-cost ROV that could be used for this purpose. The project was initially funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised over $100,000.

Design

OpenROV is designed to be simple and affordable, with the aim of making underwater exploration accessible to everyone. The drone is controlled remotely using a laptop or other device, and can dive to depths of up to 100 meters. It is equipped with a camera for capturing video and still images, and has lights for illuminating the underwater environment.

The design of OpenROV is open-source, meaning that anyone can access the plans and build their own version. This has led to a community of users who contribute to the development of the project by sharing their modifications and improvements.

Uses

OpenROV has been used in a wide range of applications, from exploring underwater caves and shipwrecks, to conducting scientific research and environmental monitoring. It has also been used in education, providing students with a hands-on way to learn about marine biology and engineering.

See also

• Remotely operated underwater vehicle
• Underwater robotics
• Open-source hardware