Design of modular camera tool for mini underwater ROVs

Remotely operated vehicles are an essential tool for marine researchers and workers. Their robust nature allows them to serve a wide range of purposes, such as remote visual inspection or tool operation. Cameras are the main method for providing operator feedback to the surface. They enable an operator to accurately maneuver or handle objects up to thousands of feet away. Although large ROVs have cameras attached to their robotic arms for closer inspection of objects, min ROVs do not have cameras attached to their robotic arms because no camera tool has been specifically designed to support he low-cost, lightweight design of a mini ROV. Therefore, this paper discusses the design considerations, component selection, and system prototype of an affordable modular underwater camera tool for mini ROV robotic manipulators.