Search & Recovery Robotic System
SARbot™
The SARbot™ is a low-cost, robotic system which is optimized for underwater search and recovery in low-visibility conditions.
SARbot™
Portable
The SARbot™ is single person deployable.
Options
Three different Power Consoles (2400W Max.) are offered to accommodate different budgets. The model shown is the M3 which has 380VDC output, built-in CPU and 22”, sunlight readable screen.
Low Visibility Operations
By utilizing a FLS (forward looking sonar) the SARbot™ can operate in harsh underwater environments down to zero camera visibility.
Complete the Mission
If the recovery target/victim is beyond diver depth or divers are not available, the SARbot™ system can be used for retrieval by locking onto the target/victim with the onboard gripper and pulling the SARbot™ tether. (Note: This process should only be used by experienced and knowledgeable SAR operators.)
Photo Gallery
SARbot decending to start the search.
Even in low or zero visibility, the multibeam imaging sonar can help you search, navigate and even identify targets.
This is a good look at how a rescue training dummy looks through the sonar. Often times, the shadows cast from the target can provide more information than the bright, target side illuminated by the acoustic pulses.
One option when using ROVs for search and recovery is to use the ROV itself to retrieve the victim. This is accomplished by securely gripping the victim with the ROV gripper and then the tether is gently pulled to raise the victim towards the surface.
This procedure should be considered only if all other reasonable options for retrieval have been ruled out.
Under ice / through ice deployments for the SARbot can be huge time savers and life savers.
Background
History Lesson
The original SARbot was created by SeaBotix in 2009. It was designed to operate as a ture "Search & Rescue" ROV for First Responders in the UK. The idea was based on locating and recovering the drowning victim within the "golden hour" to revive them and save their lives. The SeaBotix SARbot System was a very well thought out kit but unfortunately not many First Responder organizations could afford the >$100,000 USD price tag (as pictured).
The BlueLink SARbot™ follows in the footsteps of its predecessor but primarily focused on "Search & Recovery". Consider it a revival of sorts. It is possible that the BlueLink SARbot™ could be deployed in time to save a life, but more realistically, it will be utilized for recovery purposes in most cases.
Teledyne Seabotix SARbot (2009-2014)