BlueROV2

Blue Robotics ROV

The world’s most affordable

High-performance ROV

The BlueROV2 is the world’s most affordable high-performance underwater ROV.

With six- and eight-thruster configurations, a number of available accessories, and open source software, it has an unprecedented level of performance, flexibility, and expandability. With several thousand units out in the field, the BlueROV2 is one of the most popular underwater drones on the market!


The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled and requires 6-8 hours of user assembly to complete. During the assembly process, you learn how all of the components of the system work and fit together and it leaves you with the knowledge needed to make upgrades and improvements in the future!

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POINT 1

Live HD Camera
and Lighting

At the front of the ROV is a high definition (1080p, 30fps) wide-angle low-light camera optimized for use on the ROV. It’s mounted to a tilt mechanism so that the pilot can control the camera tilt to look up or down, even when the ROV is level. The ROV can be configured with two or four dimmable Lumen Lights, providing up to 6,000 lumens to illuminate the ocean depths..

Photo credit: Jeff Milisen
Photo credit: Jeff Milisen

POINT 2

Vectored Thruster Configuration and the Heavy Configuration

The ROV uses the patented T200 Thrusters in a vectored configuration, providing a high thrust-to-weight ratio and the ability to move precisely in any direction. The ROV comes with six thrusters but is expandable to eight thrusters with the Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit, providing full six-degree-of-freedom control and feedback stability.

 Adjustable gain levels allow the pilot to have precision control at extremely low speeds as well as high power to overcome currents and carry heavy loads. 

Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit

Active stability control while pulling on the tether.
Active stability control while pulling on the tether.
Demonstrating roll-pitch control.
Demonstrating roll-pitch control.

POINT 3

Depth Rating

The BlueROV2 is rated to a depth of 100 meters (330 ft). That rating is limited by a number of factors, including the crush depth of the 4” acrylic watertight enclosure tube, with some safety factor.

  • Depth : 100m (330ft)
  • 4" acrylic watertight enclosure tube

POINT 4

Modular Frame Design and Expandability

Designed like a work class or research class ROV, the BlueROV2 has an open frame that carries the electronics and battery enclosures, thrusters, buoyancy foam, and ballast weights. This simple design is robust and expandable, making it easy to attach accessories such as an ROV gripper or scanning sonar. We have a payload skid available that extends the frame further and allows you to attach much larger payloads. We’ve seen people use this for scientific instruments, pressure washer attachments, additional battery enclosures, and more.

Photo credit: Abyss Solutions
Photo credit: Abyss Solutions

The BlueROV2 is designed to be expanded and modified and many of our users have made more dramatic modifications to suit their particular applications. Replacing the standard frame with a custom frame, you can create just about any underwater robot you can imagine!

BlueROV2 with integrated Ping360
BlueROV2 with integrated Ping360

POINT 5

Open Source
Control Software and
User Interface Software

The BlueROV2 is controlled by a drone flight controller running the open-source ArduSub subsea vehicle control firmware. As part of the ArduPilot project, it brings to the ROV a vast number of features, capabilities, and an extensive user community.

At the surface, the pilot controls the ROV through a laptop computer and gamepad controller. The open-source QGroundControl application acts as the user interface, providing the live video stream, sensor feedback and information, and the ability to change settings and configuration.

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CHECK POINT

Getting Started with the BlueROV2 

The BlueROV2 is designed for both entry-level and advanced ROV users.
It comes with everything you need to get in the water except for a few components.

Lap top

We recommend a medium to high-end model with Windows 10, Mac, or Linux operating systems. There are also some compatible tablets including the Windows Surface tablets. iOS and Android are not officially supported at this time.

Gamepad Controller

We recommend the Xbox One controller or the Logitech F310 or F710 controllers.

Battery

We recommend our 14.8v, 15.6Ah lithium-ion battery for the best battery life, but we can’t ship it to all locations! There are a number of other compatible batteries that can be used as well. We’d recommend getting a few for extended operation.

Battery Charger

We have a recommended charger as well, but any lithium-ion battery charger that can handle your battery will work!

If you’re looking to customize your ROV even further and add additional sensors, we recommend the following resources:.
  • ArduSub.com has the documentation and developer guide for ArduSub, the software that controls the ROV.
  • The BlueROV2 section of our forums have many users who have made significant modifications and can provide guidance and ideas.
  • Our BlueROV2 Payload Skid product provides additional room on the ROV.
  • Many of our Distributors specialize in BlueROV2 customizations and modifications.

BlueROV2 Kit

  • 1 x BlueROV2
  • 1 x Fathom ROV Tether
  • 1 x Fathom-X Tether Interface (FXTI)
Available Options,
Add-ons,
and Accessories
First of all, there are a few configurable options that you’ll have to choose: 
  • The Fathom Tether length can be selected from 25 meters all the way up to 300 meters. The length you go depends on how deep and how far you want to go. For lengths over 100 meters, we’d recommend the Fathom Spool to make it easier to manage.
  • The lights are available in 2-light and 4-light configurations. If you plan to do a lot of work in poor lighting conditions or at night, you might want the 4-light configuration.
Once you’ve got a solid grip on the basics, there are countless ways to expand your BlueROV2! We have a few core accessories:
  • The Newton Gripper allows you to manipulate and retrieve objects underwater
  • The Fathom Spool makes it easier to transport and use the tether cable
  • The Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit adds two thrusters and more buoyancy for additional stability and payload carrying capacity
  • The Ping360 Scanning Sonar makes it easier to navigate in low visibility water conditions and locate underwater objects
  • Check out our community forums to learn about more integrations!
You May Also Need
Related Products

Contents

Major Components After Assembly
The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled with the electronics and WTEs tested. Assembly takes approximately 6-8 hours with hand tools. After assembly, the major components will be as follows:
  • 1 x BlueROV2 (as configured)
  • 1 x Fathom ROV Tether (as configured)
  • 1 x Fathom-X Tether Interface (FXTI)
What’s Not Included
There are some items necessary for operation that are not included with the kit.
  • A gamepad controller. We recommend this XBox One Controller (finer control) or this Logitech Gamepad (more affordable).
  • A laptop or a Windows 10 tablet with 8GB of RAM or higher. The topside control software, QGroundControl, works on Mac, Windows 10 (i5 processor), and Linux.
  • A 4S battery for the BlueROV2. Here are our recommendations:
    • Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery (14.8V, 18Ah)
    • Turnigy Li-po (14.8V, 10Ah) (Hobby King)
    • HobbyStar Li-po (14.8V, 10Ah) (Amazon)
  • A battery charger, such as our Lithium Battery Charger.
What’s Included
The following lists the included sub-assemblies and other components of the kit.


Frame

  • 1 x BlueROV2 Frame
  • 7 x 8-18 thread, 5/8” long, thread-forming screw
  • 9 x Ballast Weight (200g, 7 oz)

Electronics Enclosure

  • 1 x BlueROV2 Enclosure

Battery Enclosure

  • 1 x Enclosure Clamp (3” Series) Set (black anodized aluminum w/ rubber strips)
  • 1 x Cast Acrylic Tube – 8.75″, 222mm (3″ Series)
  • 1 x Aluminum End Cap (3” Series)
  • 1 x Aluminum End Cap with 4 Holes (3” Series) w/ 1 M10 Cable Penetrator Blank and 1 Enclosure Vent and Plug installed (anodized aluminum 6061)
  • 2 x O-Ring Flange (3” Series)
  • 1 x XT90 to 5.5 mm bullet connector adapter
  • 4 x M4x14 socket head cap screw (316 stainless steel)
  • 4 x M3x12 socket head cap screws (316 stainless steel)

Thrusters

  • 3 x T200 Thrusters w/ Clockwise Propeller installed
  • 3 x T200 Thrusters w/ Counter-Clockwise Propeller installed
  • 6 x Cable Penetrator Nut
  • 6 x 013 O-ring
  • 16 x M3x16 socket head cap screw (316 stainless steel)
  • 8 x M3x12 socket head cap screw (316 stainless steel)
  • 30 x 5 1/2” zip ties (nylon)

Fairings

  • 4 x BlueROV2 Fairings (blue polycarbonate)
  • 4 x Machined Subsea Buoyancy Foam
  • 16 x #4 size, 3/4” long pan head self tapping screw (316 stainless steel)

Tether

  • 1 x Fathom ROV Tether R2 (ROV-ready) (25-300m)
  • 1 x Tether Cable Thimble with 5Heavy Duty Zip Ties

Tools

  • 1 x Silicone Grease – 10g Tube
  • 1 x O-Ring Pick
  • 1 x 2.5 mm hex driver
  • 1 x #2 Phillips head screwdriver
  • 1 x Bulkhead Wrench
  • 1 x Hex Key Set (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm)
  • 1 x MicroSD to SD Adapter
  • 1 x Hand Operated Vacuum Pump with fittings for testing 2 enclosures

Lights

  • 1-2 x Lumen Subsea Light (Pre-Connected Sets) (Optional)

SOS Leak Sensor

  • 1 x SOS Leak Sensor (installed)

Fathom-X Tether Interface

  • 1 x Fathom-X Tether Interface (FXTI)
  • 1 x 3 ft (1m) USB-A to USB-B cable

Desiccant

  • 1 x Moisture Indicating Silica Gel Desiccant

Spares

  • 3 x Cable Penetrator Blank
  • 3 x 013 O-ring
  • 3 x Cable Penetrator Nut

Technical Details

BlueROV2 2D Drawings
BlueROV2 2D Drawings
Specifications
Physical
Length457 mm18 in
Width338 mm13.3 in
Height254 mm10 in
Weight in Air (with default Ballast and Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery)11-12 kg24-27 lb
Weight in Air (without Ballast or battery)9-10 kg20-22 lb
Payload Capacity (configuration dependent)1.2 kg (4x Lumens) to 1.4 kg (No Lumens)2.6 to 3.1 lbs
Cable Penetrator Holes18 x 10 mm18 x 0.4 in
ConstructionHDPE frame, aluminum flanges/end cap, and acrylic tubes
Main Tube (Electronics Enclosure)Blue Robotics 4 inch series w/ aluminum end caps
Battery TubeBlue Robotics 3 inch series w/ aluminum end caps
Buoyancy FoamR-3318 Urethane Foam rated to 244 meters
Ballast Weight9 x 200 g stainless steel weights
Battery ConnectorXT90
Performance
Maximum Rated Depth100 m330 ft
Maximum Tested Depth (so far)130 m425 ft
Temperature Range0-30°C32-86°F
Maximum Forward Speed1.5 m/s3 knots
ThrustersBlue Robotics T200
ESCBlue Robotics Basic 30A ESC
Thruster Configuration6 thrusters

(4 Vectored)

(2 Vertical)
Forward Bollard Thrust (45°)9 kgf19.8 lbf
Vertical Bollard Thrust7 kgf15.4 lbf
Lateral Bollard Thrust (45°)9 kgf19.8 lbf
Battery
Battery Life (Normal Use)~2 hours w/ Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life (Light Use)~4 hours w/ Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery

The batteries can be changed in about 30 seconds.
Lights
Brightness1500 lumens each with dimming control
Light Beam Angle135 degrees, with adjustable tilt
Tether
Diameter7.6 mm0.30 in
Length25-300 m80-980 ft
Working Strength45 kgf100 lbf
Breaking Strength160 kgf350 lbf
Strength MemberKevlar with waterblock
Buoyancy in FreshwaterNeutral
Buoyancy in SaltwaterSlightly Positive
Conductors4 twisted pairs, 26 AWG
Sensors
Gyroscope3-DOF Gyroscope (on the PixHawk)
Accelerometer3-DOF Accelerometer (on the PixHawk)
Compass3-DOF Magnetometer (on the PixHawk)
Internal pressureInternal barometer (on the PixHawk)
Pressure/Depth and Temperature Sensor (external)Blue Robotics Bar30
Current and Voltage SensingBlue Robotics Power Sense Module
Leak SensorBlue Robotics SOS Leak Sensor
Camera Tilt
Tilt Range+/- 90 degree camera tilt (180 total range)
Tilt ServoHitec HS-5055MG
Camera
Field of View (Underwater)110 degrees (horizontal)
Light Sensitivity0.01 lux
Resolution1080p
Control System
Tether Interface BoardFathom-X Tether Interface Board
Control BoardPixhawk 1
Control SoftwareArduSub


System Requirements
Operating System
WindowsWindows 10 64bit or later
macOS10.20 or later
UbuntuLatest LTS (20.04) or later
Minimum Recommended Hardware
Processori5 processor or better
RAM8GB
StorageSolid-state drive (SSD)