BlueROV2

Blue Robotics (USA) · 2016

From $4,900Base package on Blue Robotics' store; tether, lights, Heavy kit, sonar etc. are extra
AvailableVia SSH / web / bridgeOpen sourceArduSub / BlueOS300 m (aluminum)Research standard
Possibly ≤ 1 weekShipping: Days (in-stock kits). Ordered directly from Blue Robotics in California or from its distributors; it arrives partially assembled. Blue Robotics store ↗
Remote control: Connect over the tether's Ethernet link and send MAVLink commands (e.g. pymavlink manual_control or RC overrides) to ArduSub; BlueOS also hosts custom extensions.

Overview

The low-cost, open-source ROV that became the de facto platform for university marine robotics, aquaculture inspection and hobbyist exploration. Released in 2016, it runs the open ArduSub autopilot and BlueOS on a Raspberry Pi, so everything from thruster mixing to camera streams is hackable. It ships partially assembled (6–8 h build) and is endlessly extensible with Blue Robotics' sonar, grippers and third-party payloads.

The default choice for anyone who wants a programmable, repairable ROV.

Specifications

CategorySwimming robots · Developer & research ROVs/AUVs
Released2016
AvailabilityAvailable
ProgrammabilityOpen source (hardware + software)
Best forAges 18+ (estimated)
Vision sensorsCamera, Sonar / ultrasonic
ActuatorsBrushless / direct-drive motors
AudioNo audio
Compute typeRaspberry Pi
Remote controlVia SSH / web / bridge
Size457 × 338 × 254 mm, 11–12 kg with ballast and battery
Propulsion6 T200 thrusters (4 vectored, 2 vertical); 8 with Heavy configuration
Depth rating100 m (acrylic tubes) or 300 m (aluminum tubes)
Tether / commsStandard 25–300 m or slim 50–200 m; Ethernet over Fathom-X interface
Camera1080p30 low-light USB camera, 110° FOV, ±90° tilt; 2–4 × 1,500 lm Lumen lights
Sensors6-DOF IMU, dual magnetometers, barometer, Bar30 depth/temperature, leak sensor, current/voltage sensing; sonar and DVL add-ons
Runtime~2 h normal / ~4 h light use (15.6 Ah battery, 30-s swap)
Speed1.5 m/s (3 kn)
ComputeRaspberry Pi 4 (2 GB) + Navigator autopilot running BlueOS / ArduSub
SDKArduSub (MAVLink), BlueOS extensions, pymavlink, QGroundControl / Cockpit, ROS drivers (community)

Ratings & reviews

Similar robots

Image credits