https://www.huayandynamicseal.com/3-axis-rov-robotic-arm.html
A 3 axis ROV robotic arm is designed to give underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) greater flexibility for inspection, positioning, and object-handling tasks. A three-function underwater manipulator can combine two degrees of freedom with a gripping function to provide practical control at the end of the arm.
The S3 3-Function Manipulator from Nanjing Huayan Dynamic Seal Technology Co., Ltd. is an example of this type of underwater electric arm. The S3 is specified with two degrees of freedom and one jaw, providing pitch, rotary, and gripper functions. Its end tools can also be installed according to application needs. The S3 is rated for underwater operation to depths of up to 300 m and has a 3 kg lift capacity.
What Are the Three Functions of a 3-Axis ROV Robotic Arm?
The three functions of the S3 consist of two movement functions and one gripping function: pitch, rotary movement, and gripper operation. The product page describes the S3 as a 3-function underwater electric arm with up-and-down and rotation functions, with end tools that can be installed according to user needs.
1. Pitch Movement
Pitch controls the up-and-down movement of the manipulator. It allows the arm to adjust the position and orientation of the end tool when approaching an underwater object.
For the S3, the pitch working range is 0–170°, with a rated speed of 13.5°/s and rated torque of 20 N·m.
2. Rotary Movement
The rotary function allows the arm to rotate around its rotational axis. This provides additional positioning flexibility when the manipulator approaches an underwater target from different orientations.
The S3 provides a rotary working range of ±360°, with a rated speed of 60°/s and rated torque of 1.8 N·m.
3. Gripper Function
The third function is the gripper. After the movement functions position the end of the arm near a target, the gripper can open and close to hold or manipulate the object.
The S3 gripper has a maximum opening of 69°, a clamping range of 0–100 mm, and a maximum clamping force of 300 N. Its opening and closing time is no more than 5 seconds.
Together, these three functions provide the S3 with positioning and gripping capabilities for underwater manipulation tasks.
Understanding the 2 DOF + 1 Jaw Structure
A key characteristic of the S3 is its mechanical configuration of 2 degrees of freedom (DOF) + 1 jaw. The two degrees of freedom provide movement, while the jaw provides the gripping function.
In practical operation, the movement functions position the end of the arm, while the jaw interacts directly with the target. This configuration combines positioning and gripping functions in one underwater electric arm.
The S3 uses a servo motor drive and supports position and speed control. Its endpoint accuracy is specified at the millimetre level, while communication can be carried out through RS485/Ethernet.
What Types of Underwater Robots Can Use It?
A 3 axis ROV robotic arm can be considered for underwater robots that require positioning and gripping capabilities in addition to cameras, sensors, or other equipment. The appropriate application depends on factors such as payload, working depth, gripping requirements, and required range of motion.
Compact ROV Platforms
For relatively lightweight underwater robot platforms, a three-function arm can provide positioning and gripping capabilities without requiring a highly complex configuration.
The S3 has an air weight of 3.25 kg, a water weight of 1.9 kg, and a 3 kg lift capacity. These specifications make it suitable for underwater manipulation tasks within its rated capacity.
Inspection ROV Applications
Inspection ROVs can use a manipulator to interact with objects during underwater inspection. The arm can help position an end tool, approach a target, or grip an object that needs to be handled during an inspection task.
The combination of pitch, rotary movement, and gripping provides the ROV with additional manipulation capability.
Light-Duty Subsea Operations
ROVs used for light-duty subsea operations can also consider a three-function manipulator when controlled positioning and gripping are required.
For the S3, the waterproof depth is specified at ≤300 m, while its 3 kg lift capacity and 300 N clamping force define its rated operating range.
S3 3-Function Manipulator for ROV Applications
The S3 3-Function Manipulator combines two degrees of freedom with one jaw in an underwater electric arm. Its pitch range of 0–170°, rotary range of ±360°, 0–100 mm clamping range, and 300 N clamping force provide the movement and gripping capabilities specified for the product.
For ROV applications, the S3 provides three core functions: pitch movement, rotary movement, and gripper operation. Its rated waterproof depth, lift capacity, gripping range, and control options can be considered when determining whether the S3 matches a particular underwater robot application.
When selecting a 3 axis ROV robotic arm, users should consider the required working depth, payload, gripping range, movement requirements, and control interface. For applications that match these requirements, the S3 3-Function Manipulator provides a compact 2-DOF + 1-jaw configuration for underwater positioning and gripping.
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Nanjing Huayan Dynamic Seal Technology Co., Ltd.
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