Post-Hurricane Milton: How Inspection Crews Are Using ROVs to Prepare for the Next Disaster In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, inspection crews across Florida are rethinking how they approach disaster response and infrastructure resilience. With limited time between storms and growing concerns about underwater infrastructure, teams are turning to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)—or professional underwater drones—to inspect, repair, and prepare critical systems before the next hurricane strikes. Pre and Post Storm Inspections In the event of another hurricane, civil engineering teams across the state are prioritizing pre-storm inspections of critical infrastructure—such as pipelines, canals, and roadways—to ensure these systems can withstand flooding. Traditionally, advanced divers carried out underwater investigations—collecting data, documenting conditions, and recommending repairs or improvements. Today, instead of sending divers into dangerous, zero-visibility, alligator-prone floodwaters, inspection crews deploy ROVs first. These systems capture high-resolution sonar and video data safely from the surface, delivering [...]

Introduction When it comes to new technology, inspection ROVs (or, remotely operated vehicles) are making their way into industries around the world. As more industries adopt robotic systems and artificial intelligence into their daily operations, it’s becoming essential for professionals to stay ahead of the curve.The good news? Modern ROVs are a far cry from the complex, unreliable tools of the past. Today’s systems are streamlined, rugged, and built for real-world operations. Remotely operated vehicles are proving themselves across a wide range of industries—including search and rescue, defense, offshore oil and gas, infrastructure inspection, and marine research—by offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. If you’ve been skeptical of adopting this kind of technology, you're not alone—but we’re here to show you just how simple and practical it can be. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to set up and deploy a professional-grade inspection ROV, [...]

Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have transformed underwater exploration by offering unmatched versatility and performance. This guide breaks down each ROV classe, highlighting their features, uses, and which one is best suited for your needs. Entry-Level ROVs Overview: The smallest and most affordable ROVs, are designed for hobbyists and beginners. These miniature vehicles are perfect for personal exploration and hobbyists. Payload: Minimal. Up to 2 kg. Deployment: <5 min, very easy. Battery: 1-2 hours. Depth: 150 m. Accessories: Basic cameras, lights. Applications: Hobbyist exploration. Basic visual inspections in shallow water. Recreational underwater photography. Mini/Portable ROVs Overview: These ROVs weigh under 40 pounds and are popular for their portability. They are ideal for more advanced hobbyists and professionals needing a compact, easy-to-deploy commercial ROV for tight spaces. Payload: 5 kg. Deployment: <10 min, quick and solo. Battery: 2-4 hours. Depth: 200 m. Accessories: Cameras, sonar, manipulators. Applications: Small-scale underwater inspections. Environmental monitoring and research. [...]

The future of subsea inspections is shifting towards advanced technologies like underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), which are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry by overcoming the limitations of traditional inspection methods.   Prioritizing Safety ROVs provide a safer, faster, and more efficient way to inspect subsea pipelines and ship hulls. They can navigate harsh underwater conditions and hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risks to divers. Equipped with high-quality cameras, sonar, and sensors, ROVs offer real-time, high-definition data, enabling operators to identify hazards before sending divers into the water. This not only improves safety but also boosts operational efficiency and minimizes downtime. Long-Term Cost Savings Modern ROVs are also cost-effective. Their durability, long battery life, and ability to integrate various tools help streamline inspections, cutting down on equipment costs and labor. ROV accessories and add-ons, including multi-beam imaging sonar, USBL navigation, CP probes, UT probes, and other non-destructive testing tools, streamline operations. Faster [...]