xBot Technology
xBot DESCRIPTION
xBot represents a Phoenix engineering design philosophy. The xBot concept of modularity, small packaging, pressure tolerant electronics, onboard power, and fiber optic control has enabled the successful development of several vehicles of differing sizes and shapes to meet specific mission requirements. Collectively these characteristics allow Phoenix engineers to tailor a unique design to meet most size, shape and operational depth requirements.
| General
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| Weight in air: |
39.5 kgs Dry |
| Weight in water: |
Neutral - variable Ballast |
| Dimmensions |
L=56 cms (22"), W=33 cms(13"), H=35.5 cms(14") |
| Maximum Operating Debth |
6000m (20,000 fsw) |
| Mission Duration: |
Up to 3 hours (sealed, pressure tolerant lead acid batteries) |
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Up to 12 hours (Phoenix pressure tolerant lithium ion batteries) |
| Vehicle Description |
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| Battery |
1000 Wh Lithium polymer (32V) |
| Max Power Consumption |
6-7A |
| Mission Duration |
Up to 12 hours |
| Thrusters |
2x Axial 3lbs. thrust, / 1xVertical 1.5lbs. thrust (40W each thuster) |
| Manipulators |
2x Hydro-Lek six function rate controlled manipulators |
| Fiber Optic (Tether) |
500m 1x fiber optic micro-cable (single mode), 80-lb breaking strength Kevlar reinforced |
| Video |
2x color video cameras; 1x fixed, 1x ±90o rotating × 570 lines of resolution, 0.3 Lux |
| Communications |
Video and Data multiplexer |
| Lighting |
2x variable intensity Phoenix pressure tolerant, high intensity LED; 1x fixed, 1x rotating |
| Ballast System |
Adjustable Surface Controlled |
| Pan and Tilt |
1x Pan and Tilt Unit for one camera and light ± 90º |
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| Options |
1x Additional video camera (optional) |
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1x Imaging Sonar limited to 750m (Optional) |
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6x digital and 2x analog I/O channels |
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 Documents |
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| Succesful Missions |
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xBot communications and control is conducted via its self-deployed single fiber optic tether. The onboard umbilical spool dispenses fiber as the vehicle moves about. This mode of umbilical tending frees xBot from concerns of umbilical entanglement and penetration routing (i.e. xBot can enter a wreck on one side and exit on the other). The small diameter (approx. 1.5mm in diameter) near neutral fiber tether will also not pull or drag as xBot performs its mission. This feature is especially beneficial when working in and around sensitive sites, like archeologically significant wrecks.
xBot carries its own Phoenix designed pressure tolerant batteries. Eliminating the power conductors from the umbilical greatly enhances vehicle performance, especially in strong currents and confined spaces.
xBot topside controls can be as variable as the vehicle. As small and simple as a belly control box or console that includes rack computers and displays for cameras, navigation, and sonar.
xBot III is Phoenix’s micro ROV for use in confined or hazardous spaces in the deep ocean. The entire xBot system, including spares, can be packaged for transportation in as few as two Pelican 1660 shipping cases; small enough to fit inside a standard compact car.
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