An ROV for Underwater archaeology

Summary

This paper presents a project developed by the Département des Recherches Archéologiques Subaquatiques et Sous-Marines (DRASSM) to develop and produce a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) specifically designed for underwater archaeological excavation of wrecks located in great depths. It will discuss the overall field operations that have, since 2012, driven the thought process regarding the material, physical, and technical constraints associated with underwater archaeology in great depths. It will also highlight the shortcomings of the tools presently offered by robotics manufacturers to respond to the operational needs of industries or the military but that meet only partially the archaeological requirements. A robot of a completely new design is presently being studied. Developed by the DRASSM, industries and prominent engineer schools during the excavation project of the French vessel la Lune lost in 1664 in front of Toulon, this research project could allow within the next four years to bring concrete solutions to the excavation of underwater archaeological sites located in great depths.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014   •
• Deepwater Archaeology: Advancements, Opportunities, and Limitations

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-69,02