Interface and control of underwater robotics, instruments, and sensors from a human occupied submerged space

Abstract

A networked system architecture including hardware and software elements permits data transmission between underwater systems. The network architecture includes data transmission between underwater computers, instruments, robotic vehicles, human-occupied underwater habitats, and/or worn sensor devices. Data is transmitted over wired communication channels, wireless communication channels, or a combination thereof. The network is established independent of surface connectivity (e.g., a topside connection) and creates a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) specific to an underwater environment. A system administrator, such as a diver, operates an underwater and waterproof computer to control and operate an underwater and waterproof device (e.g., a robotic vehicle) over the LAN/WAN. The underwater device may be a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), a drifting sensor, a moored sensor, or the like.