So what’s all the hype about the OpenROV Trident underwater drone? The drone hit Kickstarter yesterday and has since raised over $350,000 of the company’s initial $50,000 funding goal.
The OpenROV Trident is the second-time-around invention of its creators who took to Kickstarter three years ago to gain support for their dream of building a low-cost underwater robot for anyone to explore the world below the surface.
Since then, thousands of OpenROV kits have been shipped worldwide, and since the project is open source, pushing for faster innovation and allowing for feedback from others, thousands of people have had the opportunity to get involved.
Now OpenROV wants to release its Trident underwater drone that combines characteristics of a remotely operated vehicle and an autonomous underwater vehicle into a robot that can fly and maneuver into hard-to-reach areas, right underwater.
The Trident underwater drone weighs just under 7 lbs. and is so small that it can fit in a backpack. The drone can dive about 300 ft. below the earth’s surface and has a hydrodynamic shape which allows it to move quickly and precisely.
Trident transmits live video as it explores via of a thin, neutrally buoyant tether, and is it’s users can control it using a laptop, smartphone, or tablet from land.
The company envisions potential applications for Trident in marine biology projects, dive site surveys, boat inspections, and underwater exploration.
The company boasts that, regardless of technical experience, anyone can operate Trident and get a new look underwater.
If you want to see what all the fuss is about, head on over to OpenROV Trident’s Kickstarter page. For $1,199 you can purchase your own (expected delivery November 2015).
Story via OpenROV.
