Exploring the Ocean with Robots and Submarines

To explore the deep ocean, scientists rely on numerous pieces of high-tech equipment. This photo gallery showcases some of the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), submersibles, and other devices that have been used. Read about the Scarlet Knight, the first underwater robotic vehicle to cross an ocean. 

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Research vessels, ROVs

Alvin, Gulf of Alaska Seamount Expedition

Alvin, a human occupied vehicle (HOV), returns to the ship after a deep ocean dive.

Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration

ROV Recovers Volcano Monitor

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) recovers a volcano monitor from an underwater observatory.

Credit: David Butterfield/NOAA

Launch of an Autonomous Benthic Explorer

This autonomous operated vehicle will map areas of seafloor earthquakes.

Credit: Dana Yoerger/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Hybrid Vehicle Nereus

On May 31, 2009, this robotic vehicle reached the deepest part of the ocean.

Credit: Robert Elder, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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