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Underwater Robots

Underwater Robots, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), are essential tools for ocean exploration. These robots can explore areas of the ocean that are too dangerous or too difficult for humans to go. Underwater robots come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be outfitted with numerous sensors and tools to collect extensive amounts of data from deep-sea environments.

Choose from the sections below to further explore ocean exploration education resources on underwater robots.

Jump to Section Lessons Fact Sheets Exploration Notes Ocean Facts Deep-sea Dialogues Expeditions Images and Videos Deep-Ocean Bites Deep Dives

Lessons

These selected ocean exploration lessons were developed by educators and scientists to demonstrate key underwater robots concepts. Lessons support the Next Generation Science Standards and the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. (Note: The links provided in lessons are verified at the time of publication, but over time, may change or become obsolete.)

Students practice the engineering design process to develop a working manipulator arm for a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Through this process, students explore how simple machines are combined and used to develop complex systems, like manipulator arms. Students also develop a hydraulic actuator, to convert energy into motion for their designs.
Simple Machines: Robot Building Blocks

Grade Level: 6-8
Focus: Engineering Design/Technology

Students practice the engineering design process to develop a working manipulator arm for a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Through this process, students explore how simple machines are combined and used to develop complex systems, like manipulator arms. Students also develop a hydraulic actuator, to convert energy into motion for their designs.
Students learn about the variety of underwater robots that are used for ocean exploration and the technical capabilities that differentiate them from one another. Students analyze several mission scenarios and apply their knowledge of underwater robots to figure out which robot is best suited for the task.
Which Robot When

Grade Level: 6-8
Focus: Physical Science/Engineering

Students learn about the variety of underwater robots that are used for ocean exploration and the technical capabilities that differentiate them from one another. Students analyze several mission scenarios and apply their knowledge of underwater robots to figure out which robot is best suited for the task.
Students explore the process of engineering a scientific remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from concept to launch. Students identify the engineering challenges and design solutions for developing Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV Subastian.
Designing a Scientific ROV

Grade Level: 9-12
Focus: Engineering Design/Technology

Students explore the process of engineering a scientific remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from concept to launch. Students identify the engineering challenges and design solutions for developing Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV Subastian.

Additional Underwater Robots Resources

Fact Sheets
Exploration Notes - Field Stories
Ocean Facts
Deep-sea Dialogues

Talented engineers work hard to increase the efficiency, scope and speed at which we can explore our vastly unknown ocean! In this 12-minute video, Master’s student Jenna Ehnot shares her perspective on modern advancements in ocean exploration technology.

View video
Two women and a man smiling for a picture in the control room of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.
Deep-Ocean Bites

A collection of short, topical videos featuring bite-sized answers to deep-sea and open exploration questions provided by experts in the field.

View deep-ocean bites
Deep dive into ocean exploration technologies thumbnail
Deep Dives

Previously recorded deep dive interviews with experts on this topic for educator professional development purposes. Please note dates of programming. Resources, statistics and hotlinks may change over time.

  • Deep Dive into Ocean Technologies I with Kakani Katija, Bioengineer, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and Tim Shank, Marine biologist/Evolutionary Ecologist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
  • Deep Dive into Ocean Technologies II with Annette Govindarajan, Biological Oceanographer and Dana Yoerger, Senior Scientist/Marine Robotics Researcher, both from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

These items are only a selection of the educational materials highlighting underwater robots on our website.

For more lessons and background information explore the Deep Ocean Education Project Website.

Searching for something? Email us: oceanexeducation@noaa.gov