Implementation of Bidirectional High-Rate Underwater Acoustic Communication Systems for Fully Wireless-Controlled Remotely Operated Vehicles

The use of underwater equipment, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), is being considered in marine industries. As radio communication is difficult underwater, wired control is used in most cases. The achievement of wireless-controlled ROVs could increase the safety and efficiency of underwater work in many aspects. This paper describes the implementation of our developed high-speed acoustic communication modem, which is capable of bidirectional communication and can transmit video. We demonstrate video transmission and remote control via acoustic communication in actual sea areas using a ROV equipped with the modem.