Vancuver-based subsea robotics specialist Cellula Robotics has introduced its first hovering autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV), the Imotus-1.

Imotus-1 is a hovering AUV designed to operate in confined environments, in a range of fluids. The navigation solution incorporates Cellula’s simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) algorithms, using data from a suite of sensors to calculate its location inside a confined, unknown environment.

Imotus-1 carries a range of inspection sensors including a high resolution stills camera, ultrasonic thickness sensors and a light intervention cleaning tool.

Eric Jackson, president of Cellula Robotics, said: “We are excited to be entering the HAUV market with a vehicle designed to solve specific inspection challenges in confined spaces. Over the past 18 months, Cellula has taken the strategic decision to develop this technology, building on our strong control systems experience.

“With the global AUV market expected to grow significantly in the coming years and a drive to reduce costs in the oil and gas sector, we believe the Imotus family of vehicles will provide a new and cost effective solution to many inspection challenges.”