AUV System Spec Sheet

Reef Explorer I configuration

Platform: Reef Explorer
Manufacturer: MIT AUV Laboratory
Scientific User: Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology

Summary

The Reef Explorer is a lightweight, inexpensive hybrid AUV/ROV, tethered to a small surface device that allows for constant communication between the vehicle and its operators. The Reef Explorer, which can be driven remotely via the internet, is particularly well suited to shallow water missions. With a substantial payload volume in spite of its light construction, it is exceptionally easy to deploy and maneuver. In 2007 the vehicle, equipped with a color camera and a wireless radio link, was deployed in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii to stream data back to classrooms on shore, allowing students to explore reefs virtually and send simple commands to the vehicle. The Reef Explorer came back to MIT for modification and returned to Hawaii in May 2008 for a second expedition.