Supporting Reliable Operations Above and Below the Surface

Underwater remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, are used in environments where reliability is essential. From underwater inspection and infrastructure monitoring to marine research and industrial operations, ROV systems depend on a combination of cameras, sensors, communications equipment, control systems, and computing technology working together reliably.

Behind these sophisticated underwater systems, industrial computers can play an important role in ROV control, monitoring, data processing, and operator interfaces.

SmallPC has worked with Deep Trekker, a Canadian manufacturer of remotely operated vehicles, and has supplied industrial computer PCs for use within their operations. Deep Trekker is a great example of how industrial computing technology can support innovative applications operating far beyond a traditional office or factory environment.

Why Underwater ROV Systems Need Reliable Computing

Operating an ROV involves considerably more than simply controlling movement underwater.

Depending on the application, operators may need to manage:

• Live video feeds from underwater cameras
• Vehicle controls and navigation
• Sensor and sonar data
• Communications between the ROV and surface equipment
• Recording and storage of inspection data
• Operator displays and control interfaces
• Integration with additional monitoring or inspection equipment

All of this can place significant demands on the computing systems supporting an ROV operation.

Unlike standard desktop computers, industrial PCs are designed for environments where systems may need to operate for extended periods while handling vibration, changing temperatures, transportation, field deployment, and continuous workloads.

Industrial PCs in ROV Control and Monitoring Systems

For many ROV applications, computing equipment forms part of the topside control and monitoring environment used by the operator.

An industrial PC can provide the processing platform needed to bring multiple functions together within a compact control system.

This may include displaying real-time underwater video, processing sensor information, running control software, recording mission data, or communicating with other equipment connected to the ROV system.

Because ROVs are frequently deployed in the field, the computer supporting the operation must also be practical to integrate into portable or specialized equipment.

This is where industrial computing platforms can provide advantages over conventional consumer PCs.

Compact Computing for Portable ROV Systems

Space is often limited within ROV control stations and portable equipment cases.

Industrial computers can be designed with compact form factors that make them easier to integrate alongside displays, networking hardware, power systems, controllers, and other equipment.

For equipment manufacturers, this provides greater flexibility when developing a complete system.

A compact industrial PC can help reduce the overall footprint of the control system while still providing the computing resources required for demanding industrial applications.

Reliability in Field Environments

Marine and underwater operations introduce environmental challenges that may not exist in a traditional indoor IT environment.

Although the computer itself may remain above the water, ROV control equipment can still be transported and operated in locations where it may encounter:

• Temperature variations
• Vibration during transportation
• Continuous operation
• Limited installation space
• Remote field locations
• Industrial power environments
  

Industrial computers are specifically developed with these types of operating conditions in mind.

Depending on the application requirements, industrial computing platforms may offer features such as wide operating temperature support, rugged construction, solid-state storage, industrial I/O, flexible power input, and fanless designs.

The exact configuration depends on the equipment being developed and the environment in which it will operate.

Supporting Innovative ROV Manufacturers

At SmallPC, we work with OEMs, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and engineering teams that need reliable computing platforms for specialized applications.

Our work with Deep Trekker is one example.

Deep Trekker develops remotely operated vehicle technology used for underwater applications, and SmallPC has supplied industrial computer PCs to support their requirements.

We are pleased to work with innovative companies such as Deep Trekker that are using technology to make underwater inspection and exploration more accessible and effective.

The application also demonstrates an important point about industrial computing: these systems are not limited to factory automation or manufacturing equipment.

Industrial PCs can support applications ranging from machine vision and robotics to transportation, marine systems, remote monitoring, and underwater ROV operations.

Choosing an Industrial Computer for an ROV Application

There is no single industrial computer configuration that works for every ROV system.

The appropriate platform depends on factors such as:

• Required processing performance
• Software requirements
• Number and type of displays
• Camera and video requirements
• Network connectivity
• Serial and industrial I/O requirements
• Available installation space
• Power requirements
• Operating temperature
• Storage requirements
• Expansion capabilities

For OEM applications, long-term availability and product lifecycle can also be important considerations.

Selecting the right industrial computer early in the engineering process can make system integration easier and help create a more reliable finished product.

Industrial Computing Beyond the Factory Floor

Underwater ROV technology is a strong example of how industrial computers are being deployed in increasingly specialized environments.

Whether the application involves controlling robotic equipment, processing real-time video, collecting sensor information, or providing an operator interface, dependable computing remains a critical part of the overall system.

SmallPC works with customers across a wide range of industrial and embedded computing applications to help identify computing platforms that fit their technical and environmental requirements.