HullBUG
Semi-autonomous underwater vehicle designed to crawl on ship hulls
The HullBUG System is a semi-autonomous underwater vehicle designed to crawl on ship hulls or other underwater structures and 'proactively groom' the surface. Developed by SeaRobotics and funded by ONR, this highly automated proactive grooming (or light cleaning) process will revolutionize hull maintenance, allowing ship hulls to remain in a clean state at all times.
SeaRobotics
Stuart, US
Description
The HullBUG System is a semi-autonomous underwater vehicle designed to crawl on ship hulls or other underwater structures and "proactively groom" the surface. Developed by SeaRobotics and funded by ONR, this highly automated proactive grooming (or light cleaning) process will revolutionize hull maintenance, allowing ship hulls to remain in a clean state at all times.
The benefits of improved hull condition are dramatic—the estimated 5% improvement in fuel efficiency achieved through proactive grooming translates into a savings of $15 billion per year for the shipping industry worldwide as well as reduction in the 1 billion tons of greenhouse gases emitted by the fleet.
Specifications
-
Vehicle
-
Length [m]
0.61
Width [m]
0.53
Height [m]
0.35
Weight in air [kg]
35
Min. AC input voltage [V]
110
Type of power
Electric
Type
Light work, Observation
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Environmental
-
Max. depth rating [m]
37
-
Sensors
-
Pitch and roll
Y
-
Controls and indicators
-
Audio overlay
N
Video overlay
Y
Scanning sonar option
Y
Standard manipulators
N
Optional manipulators
Y
-
Speed and thrust
-
Type of vertical trusters
(2) X drive motors
-
Lights and cameras
-
Number of lights
2
Type of Lights
LED
Number of cameras
2
-
Operation
-
Buoyancy
Neutral
Automatic depth control
Y
Automatic heading control
Y
Auto pilot
Y
-
General
-
Year of initial development
2010
Year of last update
2016
