The HydroCamel II has become Israel’s first autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), created by Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev.
The 8-foot-long robot combines the benefits of full automation and efficient movement. During underwater transit, the device can quickly assimilate specialized payloads including cameras, sonars, sensors, and a specimen collection arm. The awaited commercial AUV will target military, security, oil and gas, and environmental research applications.
To commercialize the HydroCamel II, BGN Technologies Ltd. (BGU’s technology-transfer company) announced the formation of a new company, BG Robotics (BGR). To ensure customers receive a reliable integrated solution, BGR has been in talks with payload manufacturers.
“The autonomous HydroCamel II integrates state-of-the-art technologies, including high-level maneuvering in six degrees of freedom and an ability to dive almost vertically,” says Professor Hugo Guterman of the BGU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and head of BGU’s Laboratory for Automous Robotics (LAR).
“Until now, these capabilities were limited to remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), which must be tethered by an umbilical cable to a host ship for its power and air source. The HydroCamel II is completely autonomous,” Professor Guterman adds.
According to Markets and Markets, the AUV market is on the rise. In 2016, its value leveled at 309.2 million (USD). That number is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.20 percent to reach 1.2 billion by 2023.
With that in mind, the HydroCamel II will make an appearance at the NexTech Conference 2017. To get an AUV sneak peek, watch the video below.
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense
