A scalable seafloor imaging approach
S.H.R. Rutten (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
A.A. Kana – Mentor (TU Delft - Ship Design, Production and Operations)
R.L.J. Helmons – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Offshore and Dredging Engineering)
C.L. Walters – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Ship Hydromechanics and Structures)
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Abstract
The objective of this research is to evaluate what is required to make the operation of multiple robots feasible for large scale seafloor imaging campaigns. Three blocking issues were identified; high cost of subsea robots, limited handling efficiency and insufficiently performant localization technology. These are solved by applying, in order: novel engineering solutions, automation, and solutions from literature. A proof of concept system design and a model are developed to analyze how the physical parameters of the subsea robots relate to the performance of the subsea mapping system. A case study shows that for large areas, the proposed solution is 80 times faster and less costly than conventional approaches. In conclusion, there is a technically feasible approach that can be used photograph the seafloor in a more cost-effective manner on a large scale.