Underwater robotics tackles technologies that have underwater applications. Underwater robots are sometimes called autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) which can be controlled remotely. These robots are known as “Remotely Operated Vehicles” (ROVs). A cable can monitor the robots’ movement from a ship on the ocean surface by connecting multiple underwater robots. Such vehicles are pre-programmed to carry out specific tasks.
The global underwater robotics market was US$ 1.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 4.5 billion by 2025.
The underwater robotics market is experiencing strong demand for new and effective technologies. The growing use of underwater technologies worldwide is expected to speed up market growth. The underwater robotics solutions manufacturers are making substantial investments in the development of new, reliable products to compete globally and increase market share.
The increased use of underwater robotics technology for intelligence, surveillance, inspection, navigation and communications applications is anticipated to boost the market growth. The technological developments in underwater robotic sensors, extensive deployment in various industries and the increased demand for defence applications are key factors driving the global underwater robotics market.
Robots are commonly used in the manufacturing sector. In the defence industry, enormous advances are being made through robotics and thus improve the defence infrastructure. They are designed to work in demanding conditions where divers are at risk of safety and inaccessibility.
For military, commercial and scientific research, the need for underwater inspections and maps has led to the growth of the underwater robotics industry. However, the key factor in limiting the growth of a global underwater robotics market is high research and development costs for the production of underwater robots. Navigation and communication in underwater robotics operations is another factor anticipated to hamper the market growth of the global underwater robotics, though expected to be overcome in the future.
Underwater Robotics are used for various purposes, such as ocean exploration and extractions. There is a rise of using robotics in the subsea oil and gas facilities, and the extractions of minerals.
Moreover, the growing research and development activities and awareness of the availability of advanced imaging systems can be used in low depths and can trace enemy ships.