BlueROV2

The BlueROV2 is a high-performance, highly customizable 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.

Low-light Camera and Really Bright Lights

A forward-facing, high-definition (1080p, 30fps) camera is housed inside the electronics enclosure of the ROV. This wide-angle, low-light camera is mounted to a tilt mechanism, allowing the pilot to aim it up or down independently of the ROV.

The ROV can be configured with two or four dimmable Lumen Lights, providing up to 6,000 lumens to illuminate the ocean depths.

Vectored Thruster Configuration and the Heavy Kit

The ROV uses the patented T200 Thrusters in a vectored configuration, providing a high thrust-to-weight ratio and the ability to move precisely in any direction. The ROV comes with six thrusters but is expandable to eight thrusters with the Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit, providing full six-degree-of-freedom control and improved stability.

Adjustable gain settings on the ROV allow you to fine-tune responsiveness for the task at hand, giving you precise control at very low speeds as well as the power needed to overcome currents or carry heavy loads.

Depth Rating up to 300 meters

The BlueROV2 can be configured with either acrylic plastic or anodized aluminum enclosures. The acrylic enclosures are rated to a depth of 100 meters (330 ft), and the aluminum enclosures are rated to a depth of 300 meters (985 ft). The ROV is constructed from high-quality components, like our Locking Watertight Enclosures and WetLink Penetrators, and comes with a vacuum test pump to ensure your Watertight Enclosures are actually watertight.

Build the ROV You Need

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
• Bathtub Toy (jk don’t do that)

Powered by the Navigator and BlueOS

The BlueROV2 is controlled by the Navigator Flight Controller and BlueOS. The Navigator is designed and built for ROVs and other robotics applications. It has onboard sensors, including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to measure orientation, a magnetometer to measure compass heading, and a leak sensor to alert you of any water ingress. It has 16 outputs that can be connected to thrusters, lights, grippers, and other accessories as well as plenty of serial and I²C ports to communicate with sensors and sonars. It has plenty of room for expandability!

The Navigator is coupled with a Raspberry Pi 4 computer, which handles all of the processing and computing requirements within the ROV. It runs our open-source BlueOS software that provides the tools and features necessary to operate and expand the vehicle. BlueOS runs the ArduSub vehicle control software, manages the camera and tether connection, and makes it easy to install extensions to add new features. BlueOS is always improving, and new capabilities will continue to roll out to all BlueROV2s.

At the surface, the pilot controls the ROV with a gamepad controller and a laptop running Cockpit, our open-source ground control station. Cockpit is a highly customizable user interface for vehicle control, live video, and sensor data.

Configuring Your Kit

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.
• Gamepad Controller – We really like the Xbox Wireless Controller, but many other controllers will also work.
• 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.

Check out The BlueROV2 Accessories and Add-ons for more!

Before You Dive

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. 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!

But wait, there's more!

If you’re looking to dive even deeper and explore what else is possible with the BlueROV2, we recommend the following resources:

• BlueOS – Explore the documentation and developer guide for BlueOS, the software that controls the ROV.
• ArduSub – Learn about the vehicle control firmware in the ArduPilot docs.
• Forums – Our forums have discussions from many users who have made significant modifications and can provide guidance and ideas.
• Distributors – Many of our Distributors specialize in BlueROV2 customizations and modifications!
• Guides – Check out all of our BlueROV2-related guides.

What’s Included

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

What’s Not Included

The BlueROV2 kit provides the vehicle, but 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. 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. 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!

• BlueROV2 Assembly
• BlueROV2 Software Setup
• BlueROV2 Operation
• Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery Guide
• Using a Handheld PC to Control the BlueROV2
• Connecting Your Device with Navigator and BlueOS
• Connectorize the Fathom Tether with a Cobalt Connector
• Integrating a 4K Cinema Camera on the BlueROV2