Advanced drone-like technology isn’t just for the sky. In fact, Blue Robotics has proven that underwater tech is advancing quickly, too, with the unveiling of their BlueROV2 for $3,000.
Unlike most ROVs (remote-operated vehicles), the all-new vehicle isn’t priced in the tens of thousands. Blue Robotics tapped into some of the technologies used by aerial drones to make their own ROV more affordable.
Capable of descending to 328 feet thanks to six vectored thrusters, the BlueROV2 is easily controlled in real time using the QGroundControl app. It even has an open-source Pixhawk autopilot and a Raspberry Pi microcomputer.
The submersible weighs only 22 pounds and can capture video via either an SD or HD (1080p/30 fps) onboard camera (depending on the package chosen) that’s sent to the user’s screen at a latency of 200 milliseconds.
Additional features include built-in LED spotlights and a battery pack good for one hour of heavy use or up to four hours of lighter operation.
The BlueROV2 is now available for preorder, and customers can expect their ROV to arrive in August.
