BlueROV2

The BlueROV2 is a high-performance, highly customisable underwater ROV with an unprecedented level of flexibility and expandability. It comes in six- and eight-thruster configurations, is equipped with open-source software, and has a variety of accessories to enhance its functionality. With thousands of units in use, the BlueROV2 is one of the most popular underwater drones, capable of adapting to both simple and advanced missions.

The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled and requires 6–8 hours of assembly. This hands-on process gives you a deeper understanding of the system, making it easy to upgrade or modify your ROV as your needs evolve.

The BlueROV2 is built for just about everyone, from first-time operators to seasoned pros. You can configure your kit with the tools and features that fit your mission best. Here's a breakdown of each option:

• Tube Configuration – Choose either Aluminum for 300 m depth rating or Acrylic for 100 m depth rating.
• Heavy Configuration Upgrade – Adds two thrusters and more buoyancy for additional stability and payload-carrying capacity.
• Tether – Comes in standard and slim versions, with lengths from 25 to 300 meters. The length you choose depends on how deep and how far you want to go. For lengths over 50 meters, we'd recommend the Fathom Spool to make it easier to manage.
• Lights – Available in 2-light or 4-light configurations. If you plan to do a lot of work in poor lighting conditions or at night, we recommend the 4-light configuration.
• Tether Spool – Makes it easier to transport and use the tether cable. The standard spool size fits up to 150 m of standard tether or 200 m of slim tether. Get the large size for longer tethers.
• Sonars – Can assist with navigation and locating underwater objects. To learn more, check out our Smooth Operator's Guide to Underwater Sonars and Acoustic Devices.
• Gamepad Controller – We really like the Xbox Wireless Controller, but many other controllers will also work.
• Check out the BlueROV2 Accessories and Add-ons for more!

Designed like a work-class or research-class ROV, the BlueROV2 has an open frame that carries the ROV's standard components. This simple design is robust and expandable, making it easy to attach additional accessories, such as a gripper or scanning sonar. We also have a payload skid available that extends the frame further, providing more space for larger payloads, like additional battery enclosures.

The BlueROV2 is designed to be modified and expanded upon. It can be tailored to fit just about any underwater task you can imagine! Some things we've seen our customers do with the BlueROV2:

• Search and Recovery
• Aquaculture
• Environmental Research
• Inspections
• Photogrammetry
• Invasive Species Eradication
• Educational Outreach
• Eco-Tourism
• Development and Testing Platform
• Computer Vision

The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled with the electronics tested. Assembly can be completed in about 6–8 hours with hand tools. The following lists the included subassemblies and other components of the BlueROV2 base package.

Frame

• 1 x BlueROV2 Frame with hardware
• 9 x Ballast Weight (200g, 7 oz) and mounting screws

Electronics Enclosure

• 1 x BlueROV2 Enclosure (acrylic or aluminum)

Battery Enclosure

• 1 x 3" Series Enclosure Clamp Set
• 1 x 3″ Series Tube – 9.5″, 240 mm (acrylic or aluminum)
• 1 x 3″ Series Blank Aluminum End Cap
• 1 x 3″ Series 4-Hole Aluminum End Cap
• 2 x 3″ Series O-Ring Flange
• Required hardware, O-rings, and locking cords

Thrusters

• 3 x T200 Thrusters w/ Clockwise Propeller installed
• 3 x T200 Thrusters w/ Counter-Clockwise Propeller installed
• 16 x M3x16 socket head cap screw (316 stainless steel)
• 8 x M3x12 socket head cap screw (316 stainless steel)

Fairings

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

Fathom-X Tether Interface

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

Other Components

• 1 x Bar30 Depth/Pressure Sensor
• 2 x Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)
• 1 x BlueROV2 Battery Power Cable Set with 5.5 bullet to XT90 adapter
• 1 x Tether Cable Thimble with 5 Heavy Duty Zip Ties
• 1 x Moisture Indicating Silica Gel Desiccant Bags

Tools

• 1 x Hand Operated Vacuum Pump with fittings for testing 2 enclosures
• 1 x M10 Bulkhead Wrench
• 1 x 2.5 mm hex driver
• 1 x Hex Key Set (1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm)
• 1 x #2 Phillips head screwdriver
• 2 x Silicone grease – 6g pillow pack
• 1 x O-Ring Pick
• 1 x MicroSD to SD Adapter
• Zip ties

Extras

• Extra blank penetrators, penetrator nuts, and O-rings
• Leak sensor probe tips
• 1 x Leak sensor tester
• Sticker

And while the BlueROV2 kit gives you the vehicle, there are a few essentials you will need to supply on your own. Things like a laptop, battery, and charger are not included in the kit, but are required to operate your ROV. Here are our recommendations to help you choose the right setup:

• Laptop – We recommend a medium to high-end model with Windows 11, Mac, or Linux operating systems. Check out the system requirements in the Technical Details section below. iOS and Android are not officially supported at this time.
• Battery – We recommend our 14.8v, 18Ah 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!

¹ Ground control station software performance will depend on the system environment, 3rd party applications, and available system resources. More capable hardware will provide a better experience.

² Integrated graphics are suitable in most cases, a discrete graphics card is recommended for best experience.

3D models of the BlueROV2 are available for download in various formats for integration into your projects and simulations.

Download BlueROV2 3D Model (.zip)

• Assembly Guide
• Software Setup
• Operation Guide
• BlueOS Documentation