Wireless RF camera monitoring for underwater cooperative robotic archaeological applications

Abstract

The increasing demand for underwater robotic intervention systems around the world in several application domains requires of more versatile and inexpensive systems. One example of such applications is the archaeology, where experimented divers study and reconstruct the history, recovering key objects in order to classify and preserve them properly. Moreover, this task is especially dangerous at deeps below 50 meters, where the archaeologist needs more sophisticated diving equipment and degree of experience due to high risk to which it is exposed caused by possible decompression situations. The use of supervised semi-autonomous robots can help to this task. To achieve this goal, a wireless communication system can provide freedom of movements to the robot and, at the same time, will allow the operator to get camera feedback and supervise the intervention.