SeaBotix Inc.
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SeaBotix Inc. located in San Diego, California manufactures the 'Little Benthic Vehicle' LBV MiniROV. There are eight primary systems that comprise the LBV range of MiniROV systems with model number designating the depth rating in meters. Depth ratings range to 600 meters seawater. There are more than 375 systems produced worldwide. In addition to the highly acclaimed LBV SeaBotix has developed a revolutionary new hybrid system called LBC. The LBC enhances the proven capabilities of the LBV by adding a unique attractor and 4-wheel drive mechanism. Addition of these components offer the ability to attach the LBC to hard surfaces providing a more precise and stable platform over traditional ROVs. Each SeaBotix system is designed with unique aspects in the Mini (small) ROV market. Such aspects include powerful thrusters including lateral, very small diameter umbilical (7.6mm), umbilical lengths to 750 meters, balanced mass/power/drag ratio, 270o field of view, full video overlay, highly intuitive control system, auto functions and a multitude of options. The LBC shares these features. Of particular importance in the LBV is the mentioned balance between ROV mass (weight), small diameter umbilical and powerful thrusters. The LBV offers a highly stable platform with full umbilical lengths in the water due to the mass of the ROV overcoming the drag from the very small diameter umbilical. This is unique to LBV and no other small ROV enabling the operator to control the LBV with ease without increased drag from large diameter umbilical. A small ROV controlled by the operator and not the umbilical. Where conditions exceed the capability of ROV operations such as high current flow the LBC is the ideal solution. Utilizing the core components of the LBV the LBC is slightly altered with two vertical thrusters mounted externally. When crawl mode is required the specially designed skid can be attached in minutes. Now fitted with the Patented Vortex VRAM attractor and SeaBotix own 4-wheel drive mechanism the LBC is able to adhere to hard surfaces and navigate without affect from difficult operating conditions. The VRAM produces tremendous amounts of suction in a small form factor. Attaching to a surface is simple by rolling the LBC with the two outboard mounted vertical thrusters. Once the angle is matched the VRAM provides suction to securely adhere the LBC to the surface. Being attached to the surface takes a dimension out of ROV control. No longer is maintaining a stable position an issue. When conditions do not require the crawler function the skid is stored in a protective case and the LBC operates as a full function MiniROV. The ultimate in versatility. Options for the LBV and LBC include grabber, cutting tool, sonar, tracking, UT, laser scaling, various thruster options, additional lighting, cable management systems and more. SeaBotix has a full staff of experienced engineers prepared to custom engineer to specific requirements. The LBV has found its place in a wide area of applications around the world. Such applications include Maritime Security, Search and Recovery, Oil and Gas, Inshore, Potable Water, Scientific Research and Aquaculture. Various companies of various sizes have found the capability and portability of the LBV systems ideally suited to their applications. Clients range from single person inspection companies to the biggest Navy in the world. |
