The depths of Lake Michigan are going to be a bit clearer to Sea-Grant-supported researchers thanks to a recent donation of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences.
It also will offer students interested in underwater engineering some training in underwater inspection. The donation comes from Collins Engineers Inc. of Milwaukee and is worth in the range of $25,000 to $35,000.
The ROV had a previous life in a federal demonstration project. The 50-state project conducted underwater inspections of submerged structures.
“As part of the Milwaukee community, we at Collins enjoy our relationship with the university and applaud its promotion of underwater activities,” said Terry Browne, a professional engineer-diver and Collins manager.
Wisconsin Sea Grant’s coastal engineer has worked with Browne regarding failing infrastructure in Great Lakes waters.
An ROV is essentially a small, unoccupied submarine that is controlled from the surface. Cameras on an ROV collect underwater video footage.
