An Emirati company is pushing the boundaries of underwater search and recovery operations with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed to operate at depths far beyond the reach of human divers.
Known as the ORB, the system is Trident Subsea Systems’ solution for deep-water, zero-visibility missions and is reportedly capable of operating at depths of up to 1,000 feet (300 meters). The platform is intended for a wide range of tasks, including victim recovery, underwater inspections, and locating lost equipment on the seabed.
The ORB features a spherical design that enables omnidirectional movement, while its stainless-steel structure is engineered to endure prolonged operations in challenging subsea environments. To maintain stability in strong currents and debris-filled waters, the vehicle employs a fully sealed buoyancy core.
For sensing and navigation, the ORB is equipped with high-resolution cameras and multibeam sonar, allowing it to generate detailed maps of the seafloor even in near-zero visibility. Integrated floodlights and environmental sensors further enhance situational awareness and monitoring of underwater conditions.
The system supports autonomous functions and precision station-keeping, with operators able to guide it in GPS-denied environments using an optional acoustic beacon. Multiple ORBs can also be deployed in coordinated operations to survey wider areas or recover heavier objects.
Platforms such as the ORB could significantly alter how military forces conduct underwater exploration and recovery, offering the ability to operate safely at depths that are typically inaccessible or too hazardous for human crews.
