In October, an entirely new class of underwater observation vehicle, the ARV-i, will be launched at Ocean Business 21. New Zealand-based Boxfish Research and Norwegian partner Transmark Subsea developed the autonomous underwater resident vehicle in a joint venture. The innovative technology enables continuous monitoring of underwater assets with application to a range of offshore industries, including energy, oil and gas, wind farms and aquaculture.

ARV-i offers users operational flexibility and is configurable for fully autonomous self-piloting or manual control. It may be deployed for months underwater when operating as a resident vehicle. A proprietary subsea docking station facilitates wireless battery-charging and transfer of data from vehicle excursions. Prior programming and onboard intelligence enable the ARV-i to navigate the underwater terrain, locating and observing assets autonomously when in resident mode.

In addition to incorporating Transmark Subsea’s cutting-edging underwater power and communication technology, the ARV-i benefits from the innovative features of the Boxfish ROV platform. The lightweight, low-profile vehicle weighs only 25kg allowing operation in small spaces, while the eight-thruster design offers advanced stability and manoeuvrability. ARV-i delivers unparalleled observation quality in the underwater environment with up to 6 machine vision cameras, a 4K navigation camera and 17,000 lumens of lighting.

High-speed optical and acoustic communications enable remote control of the vehicle. A manual piloting mode using live video or a digital environment twin is available for the ARV-i if onshore staff require direct control. Additionally, 4K video stored on the vehicle facilitates 3D modelling capability.

The ARV-i is an untethered solution, but it may also be configured with a fibre-optic connection if a higher quality video stream is required. Implementation using a subsea Tether Management System allows uncompressed 4K video streaming and faster data transfer.

Ocean Business 21 is a hands-on ocean technology exhibition, and training forum held on 12-14 October 2021 in the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK. Boxfish Research and Transmark Subsea are pleased to join the ocean science and technology community at this event to launch their pioneering product, ARV-i. Visitors may register for a free ticket on the Ocean Business 21 website and visit us at exhibition stand W36.

Media Release 9 October 2021.

MIL OSI

Today, Boxfish Research announces that their next-generation cinematography drone, the Boxfish Luna, now allows professional underwater videographers to capture full-frame 4K ProRes RAW video at 30 frames per second. This new product feature boosts the capacity of filmmakers to capture stunning underwater imagery with ease.

The Boxfish Luna utilises the advanced imaging capabilities of an integrated Sony A7SIII or Sony ⍺1* camera recording in 10-bit or ProRes RAW, capturing underwater environments with brilliant colour and clarity. Recording is done at the surface, allowing for SSDs to be swapped for unlimited recording capacity. The remotely operated vehicle’s control console enables real-time surface monitoring on its built-in 17” 4K display and the ability to precisely manage shutter speed, aperture, zoom, focus, white balance, ISO and exposure. The new capacity to record in ProRes RAW provides the maximum dynamic range and gives Boxfish Luna users further creative control and flexibility in post-production.

The Boxfish Luna opens up new underwater depths to professional videographers enabling them to record an exceptional quality image at 1000 metres. Users are not restricted by the depth ratings of camera housings or hampered by a heavy, cumbersome system with limited mobility and short battery life. The Boxfish Luna weighs only 27kg, is easy to set up, deploy and manoeuvre, offers active stabilisation, a full six-degrees-of-freedom and can hover up to 15 hours per charge.

This advanced cinematography drone allows underwater filmmakers to shoot in unique locations inaccessible to scuba divers because of issues with depth or tight spaces. Boxfish Luna’s superior manoeuvrability and compact profile facilitate image capture of decisive moments without disturbing marine species.

Highlighted Features
• Boxfish Luna can now record full-frame 4K ProRes RAW video at 30 frames per second, giving filmmakers maximum flexibility in post-production to complement console control.
• A lightweight fiber-optic tether allows data transfer speeds of 10 gigabytes per second, enabling users to monitor 4K footage with near-zero latency on the surface console.
• Patented active stabilisation and eight 3D-vectored thrusters allow movement in full six-degrees-of-freedom, enabling the capture of underwater footage similar to aerial drones.

Media Release 7 October 2021.

MIL OSI