But first, what is an underwater ROV?
Underwater ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) are drones that allow users to see beneath the sea. It is used in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes in different industries. ROVs have been in the market for quite some time, but the technology is fairly new and still unknown to many. One of our aims has been to make people aware of this technology and its advantages in many use cases in different industries.
How is the drone operated?
- The Blueye ROV is capable of diving to depths of 305 meters (1000 ft) and can be customized for even greater depths.
- It operates by connecting to a surface unit via a durable and lightweight tether.
- Equipped with a light-sensitive full HD 1080p/30fps camera featuring a wide-angle lens.
- Capable of functioning effectively in currents of up to 2 knots.
- The ROV is designed for easy maintenance and long-term durability. Our comprehensive help center offers user-friendly support articles, FAQs, video tutorials, and illustrated guides to facilitate self-service and independent issue resolution. After saltwater use, remember to clean it in freshwater.
- With the Blueye Smart Battery, you can explore for up to 2 hours, while the High Capacity Battery extends the dive time to up to 5 hours.
- Tether options include 75m, 150m (standard), and 250m lengths, with a 500m tether available upon request.
Key characteristics
We have five key points describing why Blueye drones are easy to use: Unique design, User-friendly apps, Easy to handle, High quality, Professional and quick support.
Design
The unique design of the Blueye drone plays a key factor in enabling intuitive maneuverability while delivering high-quality footage. It's a crucial part of what truly enables the intuitiveness of our drone.
Self-stabilizing: The vertical shape makes the drone more stable because the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy are farther apart. This means increased stability when maneuvering and while recording underwater. The Blueye vehicle's shape helps to keep the drone stable when exposed to currents in the water or tension in the cable.
Reliable and robust: The Blueye office is located at the outlet of Nidelva in Trondheimsfjorden, and we have access to test in the harbor basin as well as our own boat to venture out into the fjord. This lowers the barrier for frequent testing under real conditions, unlike some manufacturers who primarily test and develop their technology in a pool far from the open sea.
We work in challenging weather at times, and while that may limit the use of industrial ROVs, the Blueye drone is able to hold a steady position while inspecting. - Morten Nystad, Nordlaks
Software
We have chosen to use standard iOS and Android devices to control Blueye drones. This provides a familiar user experience that many are already accustomed to. It allows us to leverage the latest innovations in mobile devices, such as increased battery life, bright screens, or 5G connectivity for live image sharing from the drone. Being based on iOS and Android also enables seamless integration with other apps on the device, such as Microsoft Teams, Word, and Excel. There is no need for additional programs or equipment that typically require external power sources. You can easily control the drone by connecting the mobile device to the game controller via Bluetooth and to the drone via Wi-Fi. Touch controls on the screen can also be used. Using the Blueye Observer App, you can effortlessly connect multiple devices to the drone's Wi-Fi and view the live feed on several screens.
The software on the drone itself has a variety of smart features to assist in its operation. The control system can automatically maintain a specific course or depth, compensating for external influences such as water currents or tension in the cable. When connecting additional equipment like a positioning system, the control system can keep the drone perfectly stationary, even in the presence of water currents.
To ensure you always have the best possible inspection tool, we make new features available to all Blueye customers through our apps. With the live-streaming feature, the pilot can share live drone footage directly in a Microsoft Teams meeting. A customized report (PDF/Word) is ready to be shared with your colleagues from your smart device within minutes.
Reporting
After a dive, effortlessly sync your dive logs to your mobile device. The app displays a list of dives, each with essential information. You can also add a custom title, description, and drone operator details. Sharing your dive logs is easy, with options to export as PDF, Word, or CSV files. The CSV file includes detailed telemetry data, while the PDF file provides a comprehensive dive report, and the Word file is editable.
Furthermore, the app offers customization options, allowing you to create a tailored report template. This empowers you to select specific fields for inclusion and brand the report with your organization's contact information. It's a user-friendly tool for managing and sharing your underwater exploration data.
Handling
Many of our customers takes underwater missions in various locations and often travel alone. We have prioritized that the drone should be easy to transport and handle for a single person. The Blueye drone only weighs 9 kg, making it easy for one person to handle while traveling. We also provide a custom-fitted Zarges aluminum case with wheels to keep the drone and basic equipment safe when traveling. We believe that it is essential for our customers to be able to start using the equipment as soon as they receive it. You don't have to be a certified ROV pilot to handle the drone; anyone can use it. It only takes minutes to connect and deploy the drone, which makes it a great tool for everyday tasks and operations.
The robust design and high-quality materials ensure great reliability with minimal need for maintenance. The only maintenance needed after use is a light rinse in fresh water and a charge of batteries. All parts prone to wear are self-serviceable, and you can easily replace them.
Quality
You shouldn't worry about the product breaking down or requiring high maintenance. Our underwater drones are made to last and will do so because of their high quality. This can be noticed throughout the whole Blueye product line. Not just in the material and exterior parts but equally as evident in the electronics, software, and support. If you trust the quality of your tools, you can focus on the task at hand and carry it out with greater ease. We have consistently and precisely tested prototypes in real surroundings and situations.
Support
No product is guaranteed never to have any issues. But if you ever do find yourself in need of support, our team is always available. The team consists of dedicated engineers and industry experts, many of whom have worked in Blueye since the beginning. You will receive a reply within 24 hours of reaching out. With an overall satisfaction rating of 98%, we take great pride in our customers' success.
Very professional and immediate service got us back up and running with minimal downtime. - Blueye Customer
The Blueye Help Center: We have also built the Blueye Help Center, where you can find articles, FAQs, video tutorials, and illustrated guides to help you perform self-service and solve issues independently. We believe in working proactively versus reactively as part of building an easy-to-use solution.
