AQUA2

AQUA2 is a portable, highly maneuverable underwater vehicle that uses six independently controlled legs to propel itself through water with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment.

The AQUA2 is programmable and configurable, deployed without a tether, and is an ideal sensing platform for a wide range of tasks in submersible robotics and propulsion research, environmental inspection and reclamation, aquaculture, and national defense.

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Equipped for autonomous applications: The AQUA2 is equipped with a forward- facing stereo camera for positioning and 3D environment reconstruction, a third camera for seafloor inspection, inertial and depth sensors, and an external waterproof connector for custom sensor configurations. A real-time embedded control CPU and a powerful Nvidia GPU module process incoming data in real- time and allow the AQUA2 to safely operate autonomously in depths of up to 100’.

Designed for research: The AQUA2’s ROS-based software stack allows for easy customization and development of new code. The robot contains a robust, configurable autopilot mode that maintains target pose and speed based on IMU readings. Both training and execution of neural nets are possible with the powerful and efficient Nvidia GPU module.

Lightweight and portable: The majority of underwater aquatic vehicles require significant shore support and deployment equipment. The AQUA2 is highly portable and can be deployed by a single person.

The AQUA2 is delivered using two standard sized shipping containers (Pelican cases) that can be transported by commercial aircraft carriers as regular luggage. Its Lithium-ion battery packs travel easily in carry-on luggage.

 Product Features and Benefits

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  • Powerful and reliable internal computing

    • Nvidia GPU module and embedded real-time control CPU for six-flipper gait control and fault recovery and intensive deep learning, computer vision, GPU computing, interest-driven data collection and multimedia processing tasks

  • Collaborative

    • multi-agent coordination

    • robot-diver collaboration and coordination

  • Easy-to-use autopilot mode allows for navigation with only target pose and speed inputs.

  • Quick-replace battery packs allow near- continuous operation. Each battery set provides roughly five hours of vehicle operation.

  • Comprehensive visual sensing 

    • 3 mounted digital cameras suitable for navigation, data acquisition, or stereo reconstruction of the local environment. Included mirror allows simultaneous downward/forward view.

  • Optional waterproof optical tether system

    •  a waterproof fiber optical cable provides standard TCP/IP communication between the vehicle and off-board computers when user control or live data monitoring is needed.

  • Ruggedly constructed 

    • shell made with high-grade aluminum and resistant to minor bumps and scrapes. Appropriate for use in surf zones, coral reefs, brackish water, or reedy environments up to depths of 39 meters (130 feet).

  • Highly maneuverable

    • Equipped with 6 independently controlled flippers, the AQUA2 is capable of performing intricate maneuvers like corkscrews, somersaults, turning in place, and more.

    • Small turning radius allows AQUA2 to maneuver in tight spaces.

  • ROS compliant programming allows developers to quickly build their own application using existing ROS development libraries.