Chinese scientists have developed a new type of sophisticated
underwater robot which has the potential to be used for seabed
mining surveys.
Feng Xisheng, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Engineering
(CAE), said in an
exclusive interview with Xinhua that the research team had worked
out highly indigenous technologies for composite control, module
structure and optical fiber application on the underwater robot.
The machine is within the industrial category of autonomous robot
vehicle (ARV).
The ARV combines the features of a remotely operated vehicle
(ROV) and an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), said Feng. He
added that it could be used for precise operations at quite long
distances.
The Shenyang Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy
of Sciences has a reputation for inventing and developing
underwater robots. It has already developed another type of
long-range AUV with the capability of operating for extended
periods of time over several hundred? kilometers..
In the latest underwater test, the newly developed AUV set a
domestic record in sustainability. The AUV is equipped with a
satellite navigation receiver for precise positioning, a new type
of sonar system, a high-power fuel cell and lithium cell systems,
Feng said.
"We could use our new AUVs to explore underwater mineral
resources and help maintain offshore oil rigs," Feng said.
The Shenyang Institute of Automation has developed underwater
robots since the 1990s and invented China's first cable-controlled
ROV and AUV. Its underwater robot fleet includes two types of AUVs
which can dive into a depth of 6,000 meters. .
China is recognized as being among world leaders in developing
advanced underwater robotics.
(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)