ROVIO is a low-cost modular Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) designed for underwater inspection tasks.
The system focuses on safe and efficient inspection of underwater structures such as pipelines, marine infrastructure, and submerged mechanical systems.
This repository contains the hardware design, control electronics, and software used in the development of the ROV prototype.
The project aims to develop a modular and cost-effective underwater robot capable of performing inspection tasks in challenging underwater environments.
Traditional underwater inspection operations rely on human divers, which can be expensive and risky. ROVIO provides a safer alternative by enabling remote inspection using cameras, sensors, and a controlled propulsion system.
- Modular open-frame ROV architecture
- Multi-thruster propulsion system for underwater maneuverability
- Real-time camera feedback for inspection
- Custom low-cost thruster design using bilge pump motors
- Wireless communication for control
- Expandable payload system for additional sensors or tools
The ROV consists of four major subsystems:
- Open frame design for modular payload integration
- Waterproof hull housing electronics
- Custom thruster mounts
- Buoyancy balanced structure
- Bilge pump motors used as thrusters
- Custom 3D printed propellers
- Horizontal and vertical thrust control
- Arduino based control system
- NRF24L01 wireless communication module
- BTS7960 motor drivers
- Buck converters for power regulation
- Onboard camera for underwater inspection
- Future capability for automated crack detection
Hardware
- Arduino
- NRF24L01 communication module
- BTS7960 motor drivers
- Bilge pump motors
Design
- CAD modeling tools
- 3D printing for propellers and components
Computing
- NVIDIA Jetson Nano for onboard computing
- Python for vision models
Two types of tests were conducted to validate the prototype.
- Power distribution verification
- Communication reliability testing
- Motor control testing
- Camera functionality validation
- Buoyancy testing
- Thruster propulsion validation
- Waterproofing checks
- Real-time video feedback verification
Future improvements planned for the system include:
- Autonomous navigation capability
- Advanced computer vision for crack detection
- Integration of robotic manipulators
- Improved sealing and pressure tolerance for deeper operations
This repository contains:
- Hardware design documentation
- Electronics architecture
- Control system software
- Testing documentation
- Media from prototype development
- Akhil Kasyap
- Sai Prakash
- Nimesh Timothy
- Joshua John
- K S V Sreedath
- Anas Khalid
This project is released for educational and research purposes.