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Dominant Cornell AUV is Powered by VideoRay - October 06, 2009

Efficient, Reliable, and Powerful Thrusters a key aspect of Cornell University Nova AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle)

Cornell’s victory at AUVSI’s 12th Annual Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition, in both the in-water competition AND the design and implementation judging, was won with a dedicated team and a decade’s worth of hard work and research. A key part of this is making certain that each aspect of the vehicle used the best technology available. And VideoRay thrusters, with their exceptional efficiency and highly developed reliability, are simply the best technology.

VideoRay’s Director of R&D, Marcus Kolb, was thrilled to hear about Cornell’s double victory this year. “The competition there is intense, and I’m proud we could contribute in a small way. I’ve convinced VideoRay management that we should investigate selling our thrusters more widely after this impressive showing on Cornell’s vehicle.” Marcus also commented that he was impressed to hear that Cornell’s unit was in the water every day from May 9th through the competition. That kind of rigorous field testing is similar to what VideoRay does with new VideoRay models.

The Cornell University Autonomous Underwater Vehicle team designs and builds AUVs. The team and vehicle have received serious attention from various industry members because of their performance and flexibility. Prior to 2009, The CU-AUV team had won the design and implementation award at the competition for 5 years running. Visit the CU-AUV team at www.cuauv.org.

About VideoRay:
With more than 1,950 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

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WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.