The DSV that can travel the deepest is Japan's Sinkai 6500, which can dive as deep as 6,500 m underwater. In 2006, Korea successfully built a deep sea remotely operated vehicle named Haemirae, which can dive as deep as 6000 m.
DSVs are equipped with specialized equipment such as robotic arms for underwater exploration. They use a small metal ball or iron plate called shot ballast to descend or ascend. By adding weight on the shot ballast, the DSV dives, and when it needs to ascend, it uses an auxiliary tank or sea water.
In November 2006, Korea's Haemirae successfully completed its maiden voyage. It was the fourth unmanned submarine to be developed in the world, and is now being used to explore marine oil fields, hydrothermal deposits, and other seabed resources onboard the marine research vessel Onnuri.
The Haemirae, as a deep-sea remotely-controlled submarine that can explore as deep as 6,000m under the sea, was invented using mostly Korean developed technology, including multi-directional movement, location detection, and underwater communication.
Robot fish is a type of robot that has been developed to explore the sea. The reason for inventing robot fish in addition to submarines is because its physical form is the most suitable for moving about in the sea. Furthermore, robot fish can be utilized in a range of areas from environmental surveillance, underwater exploration to resource development including deep sea exploration, as well as military uses. Many countries including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Russia, and China are investing in this research. The first robot fish ever, Charlie I, was developed at MIT in 1995 for military purposes. In Japan, many firms are currently engaged in developing robot fish toys for educational purposes.
In Korea, a team led by Professor Kim Yong Hwan of the Ocean Engineering Department at the Seoul National University created the first robot fish. Called "ROFI", it is a shortened version of Robot Fish. In addition, the underwater robot development team of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology developed a prototype robot fish "Iktus." With a body length of 78-82cm, Iktus is able to swim 9km/h for about 4 hours per charge.
RV Onnuri, owned by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, is Korea's first multi-purpose oceanography research vessel. Launched in 1992, it has engaged in various exploration and research activities around the world. It is 63.8m in length, 12m in width, and 1,422t in weight. Comprised of 5 layers, Onnuri is also referred to as a moving research institute.
RV Onnuri, owned by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, is Korea's first multi-purpose oceanography research vessel. Launched in 1992, it has engaged in various exploration and research activities around the world. It is 63.8m in length, 12m in width, and 1,422t in weight. Comprised of 5 layers, Onnuri is also referred to as a moving research institute.
Icebreakers are a special type of vessel designed to break ice as thick as 3m for opening new sea routes in the Polar Regions. They are also given roles of patrol, rescue, investigation and environmental protection. Araon, owned by the Korea Polar Research Institute, is 100m in length, 19m in width, and weighs about 700 tons. It entered operation in 2009. As Korea's first icebreaker, Araon is engaged in marine research, sonar detection, monitoring, and observation in not only the Polar Regions but also other various seas.
※ The texts were written based on the outcome of "Development of Ocean Education Textbook" and "Development of Contents for Ocean Education Textbook" projects conducted by the Korea Maritime Foundation in 2010 and 2011.
