Underwater Drones

Underwater drones are widely used for a versatile range of underwater activities. From deep sea
oceanography to underwater warfare, these drones are capable of demonstrating laudable efficiency
with underwater feats. Employed by naval intelligences as far back as the 1950s-1960s, today
underwater drones have fallen within the reach of drone enthusiasts, professionals and amateurs alike.
It was indeed an underwater drone which had discovered the very first wrecks of the RMS Titanic and
the year 2021 has seen the prototypes of these astounding phenomena that can withstand even the
adverse conditions to operate right at the heart of the Mariana Trench!

WHAT IS AN UNDERWATER DRONE?

Underwater drones are submersible unmanned vehicles which can be either remotely operated
(Remotely operated underwater vehicles) or automatedly programmed (Autonomous underwater
vehicles). Similar to most underwater propeller-based devices, these drones rely on propelling
mechanism for movement and acoustic wave mechanism for transmission of signals. Needless to say,
underwater drones are definitely waterproof and often run on energy reserves from their efficient
battery systems.

HOW UNDERWATER DRONES WORK

Underwater drones employed for footage collection and underwater oceanographic survey are usually
equipped with digital cameras, which capture the underwater sceneries of the specified geography.
While working underwater, some automated drones employ the use of motion sensors to spot and
recognize shoals of fish and other underwater creatures to navigate accordingly. Remotely operated
underwater drones have a rather different approach to underwater navigation and operate mainly by
transmitting and receiving directions from a nearby convoy. By using magnetic sensors, underwater
drones are capable of discovering hidden mines in times of warfare. Above all, these drones are expertly
designed to withstand adverse temperature and pressure underwater and adapt to deep sea
environments.

WHAT ARE UNDERWATER DRONES USED FOR

In the late fifties, these drones were precisely used by naval intelligence to survey nearby underwater
territory and watch out for enemy submarines. In the course of time, the features and functions of
underwater drones have evolved largely and are being used for a wide range of versatile underwater
activities today. Underwater drones have created an enlightening window into unchartered deep
oceanic topography. Scientists and researchers have access to valuable deep-sea footages of exotic
seascapes and rare species of underwater creatures, thanks to the invention and evolution of
underwater drones.

Not just for professionals and amateurs, underwater drones have also created the opportunity for
seascape enthusiasts and underwater photographers to capture wonderful underwater videos and
clicks. Nowadays underwater photography and videography has risen in popularity as these drones have
become available within reach.
The role of underwater drones in search and rescue missions are definitely vital. Discovering stranded
submarine crews in wreckages and transporting supplies have saved numerous lives, thanks to the
efficiency of underwater drones. Besides, underwater drones also help detect and fix underwater
pipeline leakages, discover hydrothermal vents and widely contribute in preparing ocean weather
reports.

Ocean floor mapping is one of the remarkable aspects of underwater maneuvers that have been made
easier and possible by underwater drones. Not only that, these underwater drones are capable of
collecting ocean floor samples that are used to examine microplastic concentrations in underwater
ocean surfaces. Be it monitoring shoals of exotic fishes, exploring deep-sea fauna or endangered
underwater creatures, underwater drones have undoubtedly revolutionarised our reach and knowledge
of deep sea that had previously been way out of general possibility.

Even in warfare scenarios, the ability and potential of underwater drones are definitely promising. Aided
with magnetic and motion sensors, such drones are valiantly capable of detecting hidden mines
underwater. Furthermore, modern underwater drones are designed for underwater combat and are
aptly proficient to face off their adversary with unwavering precision.

The efficiency of underwater drones has made them indispensable in our study of the underwater
world. The reliability and comparably low cost for the information obtained using underwater drones
while being equally less time consuming is one of the major reasons for its dominant contribution in our
approach to underwater sea. With the progress of technology, underwater drones have evolved with
outstanding features that allow such drones to be able to reach even the most uninhabited corners of
the underwater world.

However, underwater drones that rely on acoustic wave mechanism for signal transmission and
reception are prone to accidents as these drones operate on physical waves, instead of electromagnetic
waves, which can get delayed in water. This is one of the reasons why modern drones are designed to
operate autonomously based on advanced artificial intelligence technology.

Underwater drones are one of the most promising phenomena of modern science. It has enabled us to
gather, survey and monitor underwater seascapes like never before. Extending our reach and approach
miles deep under our oceans, these drones are the ultimate pathway to exploring our planet in depth
and diversity we may have never imagined.

Nevertheless, the fun loving, adventure seeking hearts are equally rewarded as nowadays underwater
drones are available for purchase, coming with numerous mind-blogging features in many different
models. Seascape enthusiasts, underwater photographers or just casual adventure seekers can easily
shop their desirable underwater drone online in a click. And did you know many underwater drones
come with VR goggles for real-time FPV experience! So when are you getting yours?