<section id="isPasted"><h2>What is BRIDGE Technology?</h2><p>BRIDGE is an architecture framework that combines hardware and software to facilitate the expansion of capabilities and enable seamless communication between the ROV (remotely operated vehicle), its controller, and 3rd party sensors and tools.</p><p>Essentially, it is "bridging" the software controls to the physical ROV, enabling seamless communication and enhanced functionality - hence the name, BRIDGE.</p><p>In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, the integration of innovative solutions is critical for improving operations across various industries. Deep Trekker has taken its proprietary BRIDGE architecture a step further and developed a groundbreaking advancement with the new BRIDGE.box, transforming the way ROVs are controlled and monitored.</p><p>In this comprehensive guide, we explore the functionalities of BRIDGE technology and its real-world applications in diverse scenarios.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/5tKRaoGRiJ1E9PvfFhUB9Y/d6a238d728b96cf535519d8bda287424/SETUP_full_1__1_.gif" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>The expanded technical answer to “What is BRIDGE technology?” is somewhat more complex, much like asking, "What is the internet"?</p><p>It is not simply one easily defined “thing”, but rather, it encompasses many things.</p><p>Let’s break it down a bit further.</p><p>This framework includes hardware, such as BRIDGE.box and custom inputs to communicate between the controller and robots; algorithms that improve functionalities, such as ensuring low latency communication with the robots, allowing for real-time controls with virtually no input lag; and, our BRIDGE.app software application that enhances the operational capabilities of Deep Trekker vehicles.</p></section><section><h2>Key Features of BRIDGE Technology</h2><p id="isPasted"><strong>Responsive Controls</strong>: Advanced algorithms enable near-instant communication between the controller and the vehicle.</p><p><strong>Precise Stabilization</strong>: Ensures reliable camera stability and vehicle station holding in rough water.</p><p><strong>Enhanced Viewing and Recording</strong>: Improved camera and recording capabilities.</p><p><strong>Modular Design</strong>: Supports direct hardware and software integrations with third party equipment and devices.</p><p><strong>Remote Connectivity</strong>: Allows for remote control piloting and remote monitoring.</p><p><strong>Robot Autonomy</strong>: Supports autonomous navigation and station holding, creating an easy and reliable piloting experience.</p></section><section><h3>Adaptability and Customization</h3><p>The adaptable nature of BRIDGE architecture allows it to be tailored to meet the specific requirements of various systems, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance no matter your setup; and, its modular design allows for the integration of other 3rd party hardware and applications, enabling customization based on operational needs.</p><h3>Interoperability and Portability</h3><p>The system's interoperability is another key feature, and supports effective data sharing with other systems, promoting efficient and cohesive operation within a broader technological ecosystem; and, portability ensures it can be easily implemented across different platforms, enhancing flexibility.</p></section><section><h2>What is BRIDGE.box and How Does It Integrate with BRIDGE.app?</h2></section><p>BRIDGE.box is the brain that replaces the traditional Deep Trekker Handheld Controller, allowing you to connect to a Windows device and controller of your choice. BRIDGE.app can then be run from the Windows device, allowing for remote operation of the ROV, real-time monitoring, and multi-monitor setups, along with many additional functions.</p><p>BRIDGE.app can be utilized on Windows devices by connecting it to a BRIDGE.box and plugging it into a Deep Trekker PHOTON, PIVOT, or REVOLUTION ROV.</p><section><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/7sku1NRvqDtSNVVvANvm6R/31bd35c308e7fd3f0d6f0f493ecf4475/unnamed__3_.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><br><p>The integration of BRIDGE.box with Deep Trekker ROVs represents a significant advancement in remote vehicle operation and data management. It enables remote operation from Windows devices and supports real-time monitoring across multiple screens, offering a versatile solution for diverse underwater missions. BRIDGE.box is designed to deliver flexible control options, whether you're operating from a truck, office, laptop, tablet, or console.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/5axEDKUXWCF2PWLoR6FqOq/e8d66b0c2e2c57ff84a7b1002cfc851b/BRIDGE-van-setup.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><br><p>Want to use a gamepad-style controller? No problem. Want six monitors in a shipping container? You got it. Set up your dream office while using a flexible software platform that will grow with your needs.</p><p>For customers who want further customization, such as white labeling capabilities, we can provide your team the tools to take over control of the ROV through your own platforms. Access our API <a href="https://docs.api.deeptrekker.com/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></section><section><h2>Key Features of BRIDGE.box and BRIDGE.app</h2><ul><li>Remote operation from Windows devices</li><li>Real-time monitoring</li><li>Multi-monitor support</li><li>Enhanced video streaming quality over the Deep Trekker Handheld Controller</li><li>Media playback capability</li><li>Picture-in-picture mode (including auxiliary cameras)</li><li>Increased topside flexibility and comfort</li><li>Support for virtually any controller (yes, even Guitar Hero, technically)</li><li>Compatibility with Windows apps (Screenshare, Viewpoint, etc.)</li></ul><h3>Remote Operation</h3><p>BRIDGE.box allows operators to control Deep Trekker ROVs from any location using a Windows device. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for teams spread across different geographic locations or for those needing to access ROVs in challenging environments.</p><h3>Real-Time Monitoring</h3><p>The framework supports real-time data monitoring on multiple screens, providing a comprehensive view of ongoing missions, enhancing situational awareness, and enabling quick decision-making. With real-time monitoring, you can track the ROVs status, view live video feeds, and access critical data from sensors and other integrated systems simultaneously.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/20Q2LbdJFRyPOLMfFtwW6L/b444c208a2d8206d541368ab37f5932b/IMG_6382-Enhanced-NR.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h3>Higher Quality Images and Video</h3><p>Not only can you enjoy higher resolution displays on multiple monitors, BRIDGE also improves Deep Trekker’s enhanced 4K camera with proprietary image processing algorithms for a premium experience, including auto color correction, image dewarping, improved clarity, upgraded low light performance, and boosted sharpness to enhance your 3D model generation capabilities.</p><h3>Media Playback</h3><p>Record video, take snapshots, and capture vehicle telemetry data into .CSV and .JSON files. Full video and image playback in app, along with file management, enables users to verify recording quality and ensure correctness without having to change devices or programs.</p><h3>Integrated Data Capture</h3><p>Seamlessly capture data from various sources. Integrated data sources such as maps, sonar, and video feeds can be simultaneously displayed with picture-in-picture functionality, enabling more informed decision-making during operations. You also have the ability to drag and drop custom text elements on top of the UI to be captured in recordings, and add auxiliary cameras to the display.</p><h3>Customizable Controls</h3><p>Operators can map input controls on joysticks, keyboards, or gamepads to suit their specific workflow requirements. This customization ensures that users can optimize their control setup for total flexibility and comfort. While we encourage innovation and experimentation, we do advise against using unconventional devices like Guitar Hero controllers. However, the option is there if you feel inclined to explore.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/1PAiqi33GegMSnzJObPLdF/be597a151c2dfd376161e7d69004fbb8/BRIDGE-input-mapping.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h3>Third Party Windows Apps Integration</h3><p>Enables the use of Windows features alongside the app, such as Screen Share for sharing your screen in real-time, and Viewpoint for managing different perspectives or views, as well as compatibility with a wide range of other third-party applications.</p></section><section><h2>Choosing the Right Controller Setup for Your Needs</h2><p>Selecting the optimal controller setup is essential for aligning with your operational needs. Whether you prioritize mobility for rapid deployment or require robust functionality for detailed analysis, making an informed choice will significantly improve your underwater operations.</p><p>By carefully evaluating your specific requirements and considering factors such as portability, control customization, and data integration capabilities, you can maximize the performance and reliability of your underwater ROV. This thoughtful approach will not only boost your operational capabilities but also contribute to overall mission success and safety.</p><h3>Handheld Devices</h3><p>Handheld devices, such as the Deep Trekker tablet (shown below) or specialized controllers, offer portability and ease of use. They are ideal for quick, on-the-go operations but might lack the comprehensive functionality of more permanent setups.</p><p><strong>Benefits:</strong> Highly portable; Touchscreen interface; Quick setup and operation.<br><strong>Challenges:</strong> Limited processing power; Limited by battery life; Smaller screen size.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/9hkqRdNqi5gwLIvgCAvYm/fae92b0805be59436b38500c34d9e4c1/BRIDGE-tablet-setup.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h3>Laptop or Desktop Computers</h3><p>Laptops and office desktops provide a balanced solution, offering more processing power and screen real estate for complex missions. They are suitable for detailed data analysis and long-duration operations.</p><p><strong>Laptops</strong></p><p><strong>Benefits:</strong> Portability with added functionality; Adequate processing power for most missions.<br><strong>Challenges:</strong> Less stable than permanent setups; Battery life limitations.</p><p><strong>Office Desktops<br></strong></p><p><strong>Benefits:</strong> High processing power; Large screen size for detailed monitoring.<br><strong>Challenges:</strong> Limited mobility; Requires a stable power source.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/1lNZdsR6vuDlKn8fjf8Cf2/d2f0ef1f3612b10a1225cd65ccb6efe7/BRIDGE-laptop-setup-5273.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h3>Fixed Topside Console Station and BRIDGE.console</h3><p>For operations requiring continuous and intensive use, permanent console installations are the best option. These setups provide maximum stability and integration capabilities, making them ideal for extensive ship hull inspections or long-term environmental monitoring projects. BRIDGE can be easily integrated into existing control stations without the need to overhaul expensive or complex setups.</p><p>Deep Trekker has also updated their Control Console with a redesigned layout and new features and integrations, making it more robust and practical than ever before. The new BRIDGE.console now comes with a weatherproof case, large screen in lid, integrated keyboard, HDMI, USBs, and ethernet ports, as well as an integrated BRIDGE.box and Direct Power topside box. These integrations mean more functionality and less loose objects and cables during setup, optimizing operations.</p><p><strong>Benefits:</strong> Maximum stability and integration; Ideal for long-term and intensive operations.<br><strong>Challenges:</strong> Lack of mobility; Higher setup and maintenance costs.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/r1xD34vc4QZfKHbQbRKJE/98e5cb5e8c4c19967a389da54b25c90f/BRIDGE-console-setup.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h2>Key Takeaways and Insights</h2><p>BRIDGE.box, integrated with Deep Trekker ROVs, presents a versatile and technically advanced solution for a wide range of underwater missions.</p><p>The platform enables sophisticated customization of controls, allowing for precise adjustments for varying operational scenarios.</p><p>Operators benefit from seamless remote operation capabilities, leveraging advanced protocols for efficient data transmission and real-time monitoring across multiple screens.</p><p>The system's inherent portability enhances its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, ensuring consistent performance and operational readiness.</p><p>By mastering these features, operators can harness the full potential of BRIDGE technology to achieve optimized mission outcomes with notably improved operational effectiveness.</p><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/kzewhs8e6cvu/7Cgma5IryAvu83FjoZBE9m/8914a2bbb11ddb16f98ae1b18fbdf1c3/IMG_6095-Enhanced-NR.png" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h3>Encouraging Innovation</h3><p>Ultimately, this framework allows different hardware and software to work together easily, empowering developers to incorporate new features, plug-ins, or enhancements without causing things to break. The customizable nature of the system encourages innovation and growth, allowing for future advancements to be implemented without conflict, keeping the framework relevant to current cutting-edge technology.</p></section><section><h2>Custom Solutions for Your Underwater Operations</h2><p>Our experienced team is here to provide expert guidance for a diverse range of applications. Whether you need to inspect vessels, pipelines, underwater assets, or water tanks, or conduct underwater assessments across different industries, we are ready to assist you.</p><p>We ensure tailor-made solutions that precisely match your specific requirements. When you're prepared to acquire your Deep Trekker ROV, don't hesitate to <a href="https://www.deeptrekker.com/contact-us" target="_blank">get in touch</a> with us for a <a href="https://www.deeptrekker.com/request-quote" target="_blank">personalized quote</a>.</p></section>

Operator using custom keyboard controls and laptop to pilot ROV.

Learn about Deep Trekker’s proprietary BRIDGE technology and how it enables you to control your Deep Trekker ROV from any device, and so much more.

BRIDGE Technology: An Architecture Framework Enabling Smarter Control

<section id="isPasted"><h2>What is Dead Reckoning?</h2><p>Dead Reckoning navigation, also known as "deduced reckoning," relies on the principle of estimating the current position based on the last known position, velocity, and heading. It involves using the direction and speed of movement to calculate where you are now relative to where you were previously.</p><p>Dead Reckoning is particularly useful in scenarios where GPS signals are unreliable or unavailable, such as underwater environments where GPS signals cannot penetrate. This method has been integral to navigation, serving as a reliable means of orientation when other references are unavailable or unreliable.</p><p>“Dead reckoning is quickly becoming our new favorite way to operate ROVs and understand positioning of our vehicles,” says Sam Macdonald, President of Deep Trekker. “Setting up USBL or flying completely blind is hard for us as users and our customers. We want to make the piloting experience as easy as possible.”</p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIwMDI0OTgxMTkzLTE3MjAwMjQ5ODExOTMucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></section><section><h2>The Significance of Dead Reckoning in Underwater Navigation?</h2><p>There are numerous challenges with underwater navigation. Unlike terrestrial or aerial navigation, where landmarks or satellites provide reference points, underwater environments offer minimal visual cues.</p><p>Factors such as fluctuating ocean currents, variations in water density, and unpredictable underwater terrain further complicate the navigation challenges. Without reliable navigation, underwater vehicles run the risk of veering off course, potentially endangering both the vehicle itself and any onboard equipment or personnel.</p><p>Navigating underwater environments poses distinct challenges, requiring specialized techniques like Dead Reckoning to ensure safe and efficient operations. Underwater navigation lacks prominent landmarks or GPS signals, making reliance on Dead Reckoning a key method for accurate positioning.</p><p>This method, reminiscent of long-standing historical navigation practices, becomes particularly important in underwater operations where traditional navigation aids like landmarks or celestial bodies are inaccessible.</p><p>Understanding and implementing Dead Reckoning involves leveraging advanced sensors and algorithms to mitigate inherent challenges, such as sensor inaccuracies and cumulative drift. As technology progresses, optimizing Dead Reckoning capabilities becomes pivotal for enhancing underwater navigation.</p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIwMDI0OTgwNjMzLTE3MjAwMjQ5ODA2MzMucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Deep Trekker’s PIVOT and REVOLUTION ROVs can operate with Dead Reckoning utilizing an upgraded inertial measurement unit (IMU) and Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) sensor combined with our BRIDGE software. The goal of these ROV systems is to simplify the experience so customers can input an initial position and then get in the water and go. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any best practices you can leverage to optimize your experience! Below are some tips and tricks to assist with your ROV piloting.</p><h3>The 6 Rules of Dead Reckoning</h3><p>The <a href="https://www.usna.edu/Sailing/_files/documents/2019_OSTS_Documents/Navigation_101_05MAR19.pdf" target="_blank" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">"6 Rules of Dead Reckoning"</a> are guidelines used in navigation, particularly in maritime and aviation contexts, to ensure that an estimated position (Dead Reckoning position) remains as accurate as possible throughout a journey. These rules help navigators keep track of their position and make necessary adjustments. To effectively maintain the vessel’s Dead Reckoning position, the navigator should follow theses 6 rules:</p><p><strong>1. Regular Position Updates:</strong> Update the Dead Reckoning position at regular intervals, typically every hour on the hour. This helps account for changes in speed, course, and environmental conditions that may affect the estimated position. This periodic recalibration is essential for compensating for sensor drift, especially prevalent in underwater technology. Manual recalibration or resurfacing with GPS helps in correcting any deviations and maintaining accuracy.</p><p><strong>2. Adjustment after course changes:</strong> Following any alteration in the vehicle's course, promptly update the Dead Reckoning position to accommodate the modified trajectory. Utilize additional sensors such as a Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) sensor that tracks changes from the seafloor for underwater vehicles or Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors that track vehicle orientation changes to ensure alignment with the intended route.</p><p><strong>3. Adjustment after speed changes:</strong> Whenever there is a change in the vehicle's speed, it's also important to update the Dead Reckoning position immediately to help ensure that the calculated position remains accurate, considering the altered velocity.</p><p><strong>4. After every fix or running fix:</strong> A "fix" is a position obtained from external references, such as celestial observations, GPS, or terrestrial landmarks. A "running fix" is an ongoing series of fixes that helps refine the Dead Reckoning position. After obtaining either a fix or running fix, the navigator should update the Dead Reckoning position to incorporate this more accurate position information. In the case of an ROV, running fixes could be a GPS mounted on top that gets a fix whenever surfacing or a USBL getting pings during its dive. A fix also could be from a manual GPS input by the user when the ROV surfaces.</p><p><strong>5. After plotting a single line of position:</strong> A line of position is a navigational line that represents the possible positions of a vehicle at a specific time. It is determined using observations of celestial bodies, radar ranges, or other means. After plotting a single line of position, the navigator should update the Dead Reckoning position to account for this new piece of positional data.</p><p><strong>6. DR twice and label with Course and Speed:</strong> After every fix or running fix (repeated for emphasis). Reiterating the importance of updating the Dead Reckoning position after obtaining a fix or running fix. This ensures that the Dead Reckoning position continuously incorporates the most accurate position information available.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIwMDI0OTgxMDk5LTE3MjAwMjQ5ODEwOTkucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></p><p>Fig. 1: Example of a Mercator chart style Universal Plotting Sheet used by the Navy for navigation.</p></section><section><h2>Integration of Dead Reckoning with Other Navigation Techniques</h2><p>While Dead Reckoning serves as a foundational navigation method and can be a standalone tracking method, its effectiveness can be amplified through integration with complementary techniques. By combining Dead Reckoning with other navigation methods, such as acoustic positioning systems and satellite-based navigation, navigators can enhance positional accuracy and resilience to environmental challenges.</p><p>Acoustic positioning systems, such as Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL), Short Baseline (SBL), and Long Baseline (LBL), provide precise localization capabilities by measuring the time of flight of acoustic signals between transponders and the vehicle. By incorporating acoustic position updates into Dead Reckoning calculations, navigators can refine their estimated positions and mitigate drift accumulation.</p><p>Similarly, satellite-based navigation systems, including GPS and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), offer helpful external references for validating Dead Reckoning positions. While traditional GPS signals may be unavailable underwater, emerging technologies such as underwater GPS and Differential GNSS (DGNSS) enable precise positioning in submerged environments. By cross-referencing Dead Reckoning positions with satellite-derived fixes, navigators can ensure greater accuracy and reliability in their navigational estimates.</p><p>Furthermore, fusion algorithms, such as Deep Trekker’s Sensor Fusion algorithms, that integrate data from multiple sensors and navigation methods can optimize positional accuracy and robustness. By leveraging the strengths of each technique while compensating for their respective limitations, fusion algorithms provide a comprehensive solution for underwater navigation challenges.</p></section><section><h2>The Role of Sensors in Dead Reckoning</h2><p>Sensors play a significant role in Dead Reckoning by providing essential data inputs for calculating position estimates. Particularly in underwater navigation scenarios with ROVs, characterized by limited visual references, sensors serve as the eyes and ears of the vehicle, capturing crucial information about its movement and surroundings.</p><p>Various types of sensors are employed to track different aspects of the vehicle's motion. Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) sensors measure the vehicle's velocity relative to the seafloor by analyzing Doppler shifts in acoustic signals. This data is integral for calculating speed and direction changes, forming the basis of Dead Reckoning calculations. Additionally, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors track the vehicle's orientation and angular velocity, providing necessary inputs for maintaining course accuracy.</p><p>Advancements in sensor technology, such as miniaturization and improved accuracy, have also enabled more sophisticated Dead Reckoning systems. MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors, characterized by their compact size and low power consumption, have become increasingly prevalent, offering a perfect blend of performance and efficiency for underwater navigation applications.</p><p>By leveraging the capabilities of these sensors, Dead Reckoning systems can navigate with improved precision, overcoming the challenges posed by the underwater environment and enabling safer and more efficient navigation.</p></section><section><h2>Understanding the Limitations of Dead Reckoning</h2><p>While Dead Reckoning serves as a valuable navigation technique, it is not without its challenges and limitations. Understanding these factors is important for mitigating risks and optimizing the performance of Dead Reckoning systems.</p><p>One notable challenge is the accumulation of errors over time, often referred to as "dead reckoning drift". This drift can arise from sensor inaccuracies, environmental disturbances, and uncertainties in the vehicle's dynamics. It’s important to note that these errors can compound, leading to considerable deviations from the true position, which is why periodic updates and recalibrations are so critical for maintaining accurate positional data.</p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIwMDI0OTgxMTM4LTE3MjAwMjQ5ODExMzgucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="DESCRIPTION HERE" width="800" height="356" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Dead Reckoning is also susceptible to disruptions caused by external factors such as ocean currents, water density variations, and submerged obstacles. These dynamic environmental conditions can impede the vehicle's trajectory, making it challenging to maintain accurate position estimates.</p><p>Additionally, reliance solely on Dead Reckoning in scenarios with limited external references, amplifies the risk of navigation errors. In such cases, a single miscalculation or sensor malfunction could lead to navigation errors with potentially serious consequences.</p><p>Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, combining robust sensor technologies, advanced algorithms, and strategic operational practices. By continually refining Dead Reckoning systems and incorporating complementary navigation techniques, such as Deep Trekker’s Sensor Fusion algorithms, operators can navigate with greater confidence and reliability in challenging underwater environments.</p></section><section><h2>Dead Reckoning Empowering ROV Operations</h2><p>Dead Reckoning is a fundamental navigation technique, offering a practical solution for navigating the intricate and often unpredictable underwater terrains encountered by ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) used for underwater operations.</p></section><section><p>By leveraging known parameters and updating positions in responses to changes in course and speed, Dead Reckoning provides a practical means of estimating positions where traditional navigation aids may be unavailable or impractical.</p><p>Its integration with complementary technologies such as acoustic positioning systems enhances its accuracy and robustness, making it a valuable tool for underwater operations and inspection tasks.</p><p>As advancements in sensor technology and navigation algorithms continue, Dead Reckoning holds promise as a dependable navigation technique for conducting essential vessel inspections with improved precision and efficiency, even in challenging underwater environments.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1720025957910-IMG_6444.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p></section><section><h2>The Deep Trekker Advantage</h2><p>Deep Trekker ROVs, engineered with rugged industrial-grade materials, are designed for versatility and durability. They offer immediate deployment and a comprehensive variety of advanced features. These ROVs are highly portable and quick to set up, featuring powerful LED lighting, a live 4K video feed, and up to 360-degree field of view, imaging sonar, and flexible sampling tools.</p><p>Our experienced team is at your service to offer expert guidance for a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from inspecting hull vessels to water tanks to conducting underwater assessments across various industries. We ensure tailor-made solutions that precisely match your specific requirements. When you're prepared to acquire your Deep Trekker ROV, don't hesitate to <a href="https://www.deeptrekker.com/contact-us" target="_blank">get in touch</a> with us for a <a href="https://www.deeptrekker.com/request-quote" target="_blank">personalized quote.</a></p></section>

DEep Trekker REVOLUTION ROV with SensorPod+ Sensor Fusion

Everything you need to know about Dead Reckoning for underwater navigation. 

Dead Reckoning 101: Everything You Need to Know

Deep Trekker ROV controller with video feed and sonar overlay.

Learn more about what sonar is and its many uses. Read about its applications, technologies, principles, and more.

Sonar Systems: All You Need to Know

In this episode, we discuss how CalTech researchers have created bionic jellyfish to help us explore the oceans and better understand the impacts of climate change.

Podcast: Jellyfish Cyborgs Help Explore The Oceans & Solve Climate Change

<p id="isPasted">This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/18c9c9fd-d774-46bc-87b8-fb1b0e7a5ae4?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><p>The full article will continue below.</p><hr><p data-block-key="fw56j" id="isPasted"><strong>Jellyfish can't do much besides swim, sting, eat, and breed. They don't even have brains. Yet, these simple creatures can easily journey to the depths of the oceans in a way that humans, despite all our sophistication, cannot.</strong></p><p data-block-key="87h66">But what if humans could have jellyfish explore the oceans on our behalf, reporting back what they find? New research conducted at Caltech aims to make that a reality through the creation of what researchers call biohybrid robotic jellyfish. These creatures, which can be thought of as ocean-going cyborgs, augment jellyfish with electronics that enhance their swimming and a prosthetic "hat" that can carry a small payload while also making the jellyfish swim in a more streamlined manner.</p><p data-block-key="bik2k">The work, published in the journal <em>Bioinspiration &amp; Biomimetics,</em> was conducted in the lab of John Dabiri (MS '03, PhD '05), the Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, and builds on his previous work augmenting jellyfish. Dabiri's goal with this research is to use jellyfish as robotic data-gatherers, sending them into the oceans to collect information about temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels, all of which are affected by Earth's changing climate.</p><p data-block-key="dkub8">"It's well known that the ocean is critical for determining our present and future climate on land, and yet, we still know surprisingly little about the ocean, especially away from the surface," Dabiri says. "Our goal is to finally move that needle by taking an unconventional approach inspired by one of the few animals that already successfully explores the entire ocean."</p><p data-block-key="dkub8"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ZfthP_7s5g?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" id="779481107" title="Robotic Jellyfish Explorers"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe></span><em>Media assets: Robotic Jellyfish Explorers</em></p><p data-block-key="9kaih" id="isPasted">Throughout his career, Dabiri has looked to the natural world, jellyfish included, for inspiration in solving engineering challenges. This work began with early attempts by Dabiri's lab to develop a mechanical robot that swam like jellyfish, which have the most efficient method for traveling through water of any living creature. Though his research team succeeded in creating such a robot, that robot was never able to swim as efficiently as a real jellyfish. At that point, Dabiri asked himself, why not just work with jellyfish themselves?</p><p data-block-key="ah3u4">"Jellyfish are the original ocean explorers, reaching its deepest corners and thriving just as well in tropical or polar waters," Dabiri says. "Since they don't have a brain or the ability to sense pain, we've been able to collaborate with bioethicists to develop this biohybrid robotic application in a way that's ethically principled."</p><p data-block-key="567lo">Previously, Dabiri's lab implanted jellyfish with a kind of electronic pacemaker that controls the speed at which they swim. In doing so, they found that if they made jellyfish swim faster than the leisurely pace they normally keep, the animals became even more efficient. A jellyfish swimming three times faster than it normally would uses only twice as much energy.</p><p data-block-key="7o4mj">This time, the research team went a step further, adding what they call a forebody to the jellies. These forebodies are like hats that sit atop the jellyfish's bell (the mushroom-shaped part of the animal). The devices were designed by graduate student and lead author Simon Anuszczyk (MS '22), who aimed to make the jellyfish more streamlined while also providing a place where sensors and other electronics can be carried.</p><p data-block-key="erg9t" id="isPasted">"Much like the pointed end of an arrow, we designed 3D-printed forebodies to streamline the bell of the jellyfish robot, reduce drag, and increase swimming performance," Anuszczyk says. "At the same time, we experimented with 3D printing until we were able to carefully balance the buoyancy and keep the jellyfish swimming vertically."</p><p data-block-key="9ht46">To test the augmented jellies' swimming abilities, Dabiri's lab undertook the construction of a massive vertical aquarium inside Caltech's Guggenheim Laboratory. Dabiri explains that the three-story tank is tall, rather than wide, because researchers want to gather data on oceanic conditions far below the surface.</p><p data-block-key="2k65c">"In the ocean, the round trip from the surface down to several thousand meters will take a few days for the jellyfish, so we wanted to develop a facility to study that process in the lab," Dabiri says. "Our vertical tank lets the animals swim against a flowing vertical current, like a treadmill for swimmers. We expect the unique scale of the facility—probably the first vertical water treadmill of its kind—to be useful for a variety of other basic and applied research questions."</p><p data-block-key="2k65c"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 768px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA5NTIxNzc5NzI4LURhYmlyaS1MYWItTG9uZy1EaXN0YW5jZS1Td2ltbWluZ19Gb3JlYm9keTMubWF4LTE0MDB4ODAwLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">A biohybrid jellyfish descends through the three-story tank in which swimming tests were conducted. Credit: Caltech</span></span></span></p><p data-block-key="ca0a2" id="isPasted">Swim tests conducted in the tank show that a jellyfish equipped with a combination of the swimming pacemaker and forebody can swim up to 4.5 times faster than an all-natural jelly while carrying a payload. The total cost is about $20 per jellyfish, Dabiri says, which makes biohybrid jellies an attractive alternative to renting a research vessel that can cost more than $50,000 a day to run.</p><p data-block-key="793n4">"By using the jellyfish's natural capacity to withstand extreme pressures in the deep ocean and their ability to power themselves by feeding, our engineering challenge is a lot more manageable," Dabiri adds. "We still need to design the sensor package to withstand the same crushing pressures, but that device is smaller than a softball, making it much easier to design than a full submarine vehicle operating at those depths.</p><p data-block-key="43iq3">"I'm really excited to see what we can learn by simply observing these parts of the ocean for the very first time," he adds.</p><p data-block-key="ff45j">Dabiri says future work may focus on further enhancing the bionic jellies' abilities. Right now, they can only be made to swim faster in a straight line, such as the vertical paths being designed for deep ocean measurement. But further research may also make them steerable, so they can be directed horizontally as well as vertically.</p><p data-block-key="2sqcr">The paper describing the work, "<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-3190/ad277f" target="_blank">Electromechanical enhancement of live jellyfish for ocean exploration</a>," appears in the February 28 issue of <em>Bioinspiration &amp; Biomimetics.</em> Co-authors are Anuszczyk and Dabiri.</p>

Jellyfish can't do much besides swim, sting, eat, and breed. They don't even have brains. Yet, these simple creatures can easily journey to the depths of the oceans in a way that humans, despite all our sophistication, cannot.

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