Aquanaut robot works deep underwater as a transformer

The American start-up Houston Mechatronics has built an underwater robot that looks a lot like a transformer. The Aquanaut can change from a compact submarine to a remote-controlled underwater robot.

By being able to store the robot arms, the underwater robot can operate like a submarine. This hybrid design allows the robot to travel long distances, up to 200 kilometers, according to Houston Mechatronics, a start-up founded by a number of NASA robotic engineers.

According to the builders, the robot can operate autonomously at great depths – up to 3 kilometers. The design is particularly interesting for applications in the oil and gas industry, as well as for defensive tasks. For example, the Aquanaut can be used for inspecting submarine pipes or cutting cables. The Aquanaut is currently being tested in deep water tanks at NASA, reports IEEE Spectrum.

Read more at Houston Mechatronics.