Diving robots have much in common with the planetary ROVERs used by the NASA to creep over Mars and other worlds far away from humans live sphere. Both are the results of high end research programs and both are designed for the investigation of unpleasant and far areas. Whereby some hundreds meters under water are still as difficult to access for humans as far planets. And because of the harshness of those universes, the leak of communication possibilities and the necessity of independent deciding, such systems have to act as independently as possible. 

One main response to this problem, is the TRIBUN, a module oriented AUV (Under Water Vehicle) developed by the UWTH and the Universities of Lower Saxony. Quietly independent and equipped with a camera system enabling 3D Vision, the TRIBUN replaces human divers in dangerous underwater or contaminated areas.

	Underwater Tests

The development of TRIBUN is a subproject of the European special research area 264 (SFB 264, automated manufacturing under water). In 1999 the institute for materials technology (IW- Hanover) could present 2 subprojects of the SFB (TRIBUN, modular bionic arm) together with the institute for finishing technique and cutting machine tools on Hanover's Industry fair. The exhibition booth consisted of water containers with the exhibits, serving and control computers as well as a video presentation on which the visitors were alternatively informed about the SFB 264 or could pursue the Live video picture of the TRIBUN cameras. Further different kinematics concepts of MOUS, a modular bionic arm developed by Mr. Avgoustinos were presented in their different application fields. 

 

 

 

	MOUS
	Photo : UWTH

TRIBUN was shown in a configuration for the optical inspection equipped with 2-double-propeller-drive and the stereoscopic camera system as well as a bionic arm for the salvage of small articles. Due to the relatively small water containers and the small depth of water high maneuverability also in close spaces could be proven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Reference : 002050

 

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