UAS-to-ROV Wireless Communications Demonstrated
Subsea wireless automation provider WFS Technologies and marine rental equipment specialist Seatronics demonstrated UAS-to-ROV wireless communications at a Subsea Internet of Things event in Houston, USA. The demonstration took place on 15 February 2017 at the Delta SubSea (DSS) test tank facility and was attended by representatives from Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron and BP.
Seatooth wireless controllers were integrated with a Seatronics Predator II Inspection Class ROV and a DJI Inspire drone. 2-way data communications between the ROV and the drone were demonstrated while the ROV was submerged in a test tank and the drone flew overhead.
Using proven subsea wireless automation deployed by inspection and light class ROVs, we are delivering improved asset integrity information at a fraction of the cost, according to Brendan Hyland, chairman of WFS. This demonstration has opened the door to using drones to harvest sensor information from assets in shallow water.
Seatronics Predator II ROV has the ability to fully interface WFS wireless communication products with ease. There are many benefits in using the Predator II ROV system for this application due to its size, stability and flexibility of interfacing sensor packages over other solutions, states Euan Mackay, vice president of Seatronics.