ROV

The abbreviation ROV designates a remotely operated vehicle. In the case of underwater archaeological excavations, an ROV is a teleoperated submersible designed to explore the deeps. It enables archaeologists to view underwater sites without endangering the lives of divers. Given that ROVs can perform functions other than image acquisition, they can also be considered robots. Many such robots are able to manipulate (grasp and move) objects such as amphorae. Within the context of underwater archaeological excavations ROVs have a vast range of applications and are, consequently, of primary importance.