The Rossia Series

Our new generation of seafloor robots

Our robots are regularly operating at 900 m water depth for 12 – 18 months since 2010.

These highly reliable tele-operated systems have been regularly improved and after 10 years of development we can now offer our latest version. This small robot offers a higher payload with enhanced control electronics and can be deployed down to 6000 m water depth.

ROSSIA small, clever and with big eyes
Each crawler is delivered in a foldable transport box for easy air-freight
iSeaMC crawler delivery

Modern marine survey technologies utilze a toolbox of robotic infrastructure including ROVs , AUVs, Glider and sea floor crawlers which grant maximum success when specifically applied.

Crawler Specifications

Main Frame and caterpillar section PEHD-500
VehicleLWH 140x 100x 85 cm
Weight in air280 kg approx.
Control unitcarbon fibre with titanium grade 5 caps
Payload120 kg approx
Max depth6000 m
BuoyancySolid cell structure
Power input48 V
MotorsDunker, 600 W
Speed approx0.1 to 0.5 m/s
CameraWisenet XNP-6040H or similar
Camera 2, optionLow light Sony camera, 0,05 lux
Lights, standardUp to 140 Watt neutral white light
SensorsCTD, ADCP, turbidity, chlorophyll, methane, and others on demand
CompassTCM-XB compass

Optional equipment

Sony low light camera, 3 D laser camera for navigation and mapping, micro-optodes
PTU unit
Manipulator  Electric 5e manipulator
Surface buoy for tele-operations from ship or shore
Full autonomy package (2020)

Comparison  Crawler   /  AUV, Glider / ROV

Crawler typically monitor areas of 0.1 to 1 km2 size

Applicability  and Safety

  • simpler technology in terms of complexity, costs, and robustness, less personal intensive
  • missions can be transferred via internet onto the ship before deployment
  • can safely be switched off, energy efficient, stays on the spot.
  • qualifies for longterm operation both regarding robustness and energy efficiency

Stability

  • solid base from which to work and sample.  Sensors can be placed more precisely than with swimming robots
  • a robotic arm (on demand) allows direct access into complex habitats such as reefs (teleoperated mode)

Repeatability

  • not affected by current flow conditions and can return to resample locations easier
  • less personal bias in sampling. Can be operated with one person
  • at cabled observatories, experts can drive and analyze via internet

 Payload and instrumentation

  • Crawlers have a very high pay load capacity exceeding ROVs, AUVs and Glider by a factor of 10 to 15.
  • sensors and profilers can precisely penetrate the seafloor; by mounting such systems at the front of a crawler, undisturbed areas can be profiled for oxygen, pH, methane, CO2,  etc
  • very detailed transect analyses of sediment surfaces  with laser guided habitat mapping.

Field Work

Crawlers can be deployed with WLAN connection from the beach, from ships,  operate from junction boxes, or monitor the area with full autonomy.