Innovative Underwater Exploration: The Boxfish AUV Research Kit

The Boxfish AUV Research Kit, crafted by boxfish Robotics, serves as a cutting-edge platform tailored for researchers and engineers dedicated to enhancing computer vision and driving advancements in underwater robotics.

Purpose-Built for Research Institutions

This kit is specifically designed for academic and research organizations, leveraging the established Boxfish AUV framework. It integrates robust hardware, high-quality imaging capabilities, and flexible software, facilitating efficient algorithm development.

By eliminating prevalent technical obstacles, the Boxfish AUV Research Kit empowers researchers to concentrate on innovation and experimentation without the hindrance of system integration issues.

Key Components of the Kit

• Boxfish AUV featuring a 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) design, along with integrated USBL and DVL systems, and the Boxfish camera system equipped with an onboard computer.
• Boxfish TetherLink, which includes a control box and a 100-meter fiber optic tether for real-time telemetry and video streaming.
• boxfish Accessory Box, containing essential tools, a charger, and spare parts, along with the Boxfish SafePath Planner for mission planning.
• boxfish Commander, a software tool for live monitoring and mission management.
• Boxfish API Manual,providing a ROS2 interface for seamless integration,development,and system enhancement.
• Optional sensors and tools that can be added via ROV attachments.

Specifications of the Boxfish AUV

the Boxfish AUV is engineered for operations at depths of up to 300 meters, featuring pressure-tested housing and field-tested components that ensure dependable performance in deep-sea environments. It is indeed powered by 600 Wh lithium-ion batteries, allowing for up to 10 hours of uninterrupted underwater operation.

With a compact design, the vehicle measures 73 cm in length, 44 cm in width, and 35 cm in height, weighing a total of 25 kg. It is equipped with synchronized stereo machine vision cameras and a 4K IP camera for high-quality imaging, complemented by a powerful 20,000-lumen lighting system for low-visibility conditions. The onboard systems include USBL, DVL, and WiFi for effective communication, navigation, and telemetry.

Development Framework & Software Integration

The research kit offers an ideal environment for development, supporting ROS2, which allows researchers to incorporate their own code and custom algorithms directly into the system.

This feature enhances experimentation in underwater autonomy and computer vision. The included software tools, such as Boxfish SafePath Planner and Boxfish Commander, facilitate mission planning and operational oversight, enabling users to set routes, track performance, and manage missions in real-time.

Advanced Navigation, Positioning & Imaging Capabilities

The vehicle is outfitted with onboard Ultra Short Baseline (USBL) and Doppler velocity Log (DVL) systems that provide precise positioning and movement tracking during underwater operations.

The integrated imaging system features two synchronized machine vision cameras for stereo vision capabilities. A standard 4K IP camera is included, with an option to upgrade to a broadcast-quality 4K UHD camera that captures high-resolution 20MP still images. Lighting is supplied by a high-output 17,000-lumen high-CRI system.

Customizable sensor & Tool Options

To meet diverse research needs, the Boxfish AUV Research Kit accommodates a variety of additional sensors and tools. Its compatibility with optional ROV add-ons allows users to tailor the system for specific applications, whether for scientific research, inspection, or experimental development in underwater robotics and sensing technologies.

Exclusive Availability for Research Institutions

The Boxfish AUV Research Kit is exclusively available to research institutions, offering a complete platform for pioneering developments in underwater robotics and computer vision.

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