Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

We currently operate two models of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) of different specifications to conduct marine ecosystem surveys around Taiwan, covering a variety of marine environments from shallow waters to the mesopelagic zone.

The first model is the BlueROV2 developed by Blue Robotics in California, USA. This high-performance modular ROV is designed for operation up to 100 meters deep and is suitable for ecological monitoring in surface and coastal waters. Equipped with a 1080p high-definition camera system, it has been used for coral reef surveys in the waters around Xiaoliuqiu and the northeastern coast of Taiwan, helping to assess coral bleaching and habitat species composition changes caused by climate warming and human disturbances.

The second model is the H800 ROV, an observation-class and light work-class underwater vehicle manufactured by Exail Robotics in France. It operates at depths of up to 1000 meters and is suitable for extended observations and precise operations in mid-to-deep waters. The H800 ROV features a 4K main camera with 20x optical zoom, navigation and positioning modules, and a robotic arm with sampling capabilities. It can be used for terrain and benthic biological surveys. Future upgrades will include side-scan sonar, water samplers, sediment collectors, and chemical sensors to enhance its mission capabilities.

We have already conducted black coral ecosystem imaging and visual documentation of mesopelagic coral aggregations in the waters around Keelung Islet. Future plans include expanding surveys to mesopelagic ecosystems around the entire island of Taiwan and preliminary explorations of deep-sea geological environments.