DeepOcean has been awarded the OTC 2024 Spotlight on New Technology Award for its innovative Autonomous Inspection Drone (AID). This development aims to revolutionize subsea inspections by providing a more cost-effective solution while delivering higher-quality and precise data, according to CEO Øyvind Mikaelsen. The project is a collaboration between DeepOcean, Argus Remote Systems, and Vaarst, with support and funding from Aker BP.
The AID is built on a Rover MK2 ROV platform from Argus, equipped with upgraded hardware and software packages. Argus is responsible for the AID platform and navigation algorithm while DeepOcean handles the digital twin platform, mission planner software, and live view of the AID in operation. Additionally, Vaarst has contributed the machine vision camera Subslam 2x for autonomous navigation and data collection.
The autonomous inspection drone measures 1.25 x 0.85 x 0.77 m, weighs 320 kg in air, and is capable of operating in water depths of up to 3,000 m. It can travel in DP mode and offers station-keeping and remote control functionalities. Inspection data collected by the AID is streamed to onshore locations, with the vehicle’s position continuously fed back into the digital twin to enhance situational awareness.
Last year, the AID successfully completed subsea trials at Aker BP’s Alvheim Field in the central Norwegian North Sea
