Communications Capability

The ability to robots in different terrains including urban is crucial to the success of any mission and Mini ROV has a number of tools to ensure success.
Typically, you will want to work at 100-500m. In most situations, you will want to use radio control as this permits the most flexible driving ability and increases manoeuvrability. Mini ROV has a range of up to 1km and takes advantage of COFDM techniques to ensure excellent video images even in built up areas, inside buildings and tunnels or below ground, such as culverts.
Local interference can have an effect on radio communication, so Mini ROV has multiple channels for both data and video radios, which will allow you to move away from any frequencies that may be affected.
The ability to change channels and increase the power of the radios during the mission will also help you extend your range if you are on the limit of distance.

You also need to be confident that the system will not be affected by undesired signals, energy sources, spurious radiation from other transmitters, and natural phenomena. Mini ROV’ design ensures that immunity from interference is maximised.
You need your robot to respond quickly and precisely to driving commands, and Mini ROV’ low radio latency ensures a ‘real time’ feel to all operator inputs, crucial when carrying out fine controlled movements such as aiming barrelled disruptors.

You may be working in parts of the world that need special frequency bands. Mini ROV can be supplied with various options to suit local radio licence laws or conditions. The modular design of Mini ROV allows operators to quickly and easily change the communication system to a different frequency band in minutes and in the field with no special tools.
Sound is an important sense that you don’t want to lose working remotely. Being able to hear what is happening remotely at the robot helps in situational awareness and Mini ROV’ optional 2 way audio system allows not only the operator to hear what is happening but to also to talk to any potential insurgent, including recording it.

You may want to operate robots at the same time. Using a second robot’s cameras to look at the robot on the task can improve situational awareness dramatically. Mini ROV’ multiple channel setup makes this possible, allowing robots to work in close proximity to each other without interference.

This modular design also allows you to replace your entire communication system if it became damaged. In a matter of minutes this subsystem can be swapped out by the operator and does not require a trained technician. This keeps Mini ROV up and running and on task.
You also need to be confident that an insurgent cannot take control of your robot. Mini ROV’ data is encrypted to AES128 to eliminate this risk.

Sometimes, it is just not possible to use a radio link. The terrain may not allow it (such as metal ships which can block radio signals), excessive radio noise or you want to use Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) systems (radio jamming). For these occasions, a fibre optic tether is available.
2 lengths are available. A reusable system of 200m and a single use system which is 1000m long.
The tether system simply mounts on the side of the arm for quick deployment.

The Operator Control Station needs to be flexible to allow you to work in any location. That could be on a table top, mounted in a vehicle or even moving around to gain the best strategic position. Mini ROV’ ergonomically designed modular control unit allows you to do that. The control unit can even be worn as a backpack type system to allow ease of movement.
This modular system also allows the operator to replace any modules that may be damaged quickly and easily. Simply unplug the module in question and swap in a replacement one. The changeover takes minutes, can be done in the field and does not require a trained technician.
The main part of the control unit consists of a standard ruggedised Windows based tablet, readily available from a number of sources, so it is easy to source in case of damage.
With a quick and simple to learn, highly intuitive touch screen interface, training is minimised and operational success maximised.
A simple touch screen control, with a real time graphic showing the configuration of the robot at any time, allows you to have an optimum awareness of the current situation.
Hardware buttons are eliminated with the touch screen control, allowing software updates to bring in new features without having to replace the control unit.
As the software is Windows based, users quickly understand the operating system and can even load additional software onto the control unit for enhanced capability.

The real time on-screen graphic does not just show the robot. Disruptors, CBRNe sensors and a wide range of other additional tools can be simulated on screen, again maximising situational awareness.
Image resolution allows you to search for command wires, trip wires and signs of wire concealment to locate suspect devices and then identify components after a positive action has been taken effectively. You may need to read text on suspect objects, especially in a CBRNe procedure when identifying for example chemicals. Mini ROV’ image resolution allows recognition of such items.

All ambient light conditions can be accommodated by the camera lights, including Infra-Red which are controlled from the control unit.
Picture in picture display allows up to 4 cameras to be viewed at any one time and can be saved to digital media.
There is also an auxiliary port to connect additional screen displays, allowing a bigger screen or other members of the team to view progress of the task.

Battery status is a critical factor during a mission, and operators need to know quickly and clearly the current battery levels.
Both the robot and control unit battery levels are displayed on the screen.
Additional battery data such as number of recharges, serial number, manufacturer etc. is also available.
This additional data is crucial for battery management programs, and allows you to go on task knowing that your batteries will not only recharge and hold their charge correctly but also will do it repeatedly.