AUV and ROV search tools

Once the AUV has concluded its coverage of the search area, the collected sonar data have been analyzed, and a list of targets of interest have been compiled, a remote operated vehicle (ROV) will be deployed to further investigate the targets. Tethered to the expedition vessel, the ROV is directed to the desired locations by an operator aboard the expedition vessel.

The ROV is equipped with sector-scan sonar to help re-locate the target. It has powerful lights and high-definition video cameras to provide real-time imagery to the operator, along with a manipulator arm which can be used to remove obscuring objects, TIGHAR explained.