From: $ 4,250.00

The BlueROV2 is the world’s most affordable high-performance ROV. With a 6-thruster vectored configuration, open-source electronics and software, and plenty of expandability, it’s the perfect ROV for inspections, research, and adventuring. What will you see?

SKU: BLUEROV2-VP
HS Code: 9015.80.8080

Product Description

The BlueROV2 is the world’s most affordable high-performance underwater ROV. With six- and eight-thruster configurations, a number of available accessories, and open source software, it has an unprecedented level of performance, flexibility, and expandability. With several thousand units out in the field, the BlueROV2 is one of the most popular underwater drones on the market!

The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled and requires 6-8 hours of user assembly to complete. During the assembly process, you learn how all of the components of the system work and fit together and it leaves you with the knowledge needed to make upgrades and improvements in the future!

Live HD Camera and Lighting

At the front of the ROV is a high definition (1080p, 30fps) wide-angle low-light camera optimized for use on the ROV. It’s mounted to a tilt mechanism so that the pilot can control the camera tilt to look up or down, even when the ROV is level.

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 Configuration

Vectored Thruster Configuration and the Heavy Configuration

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 feedback stability.

Adjustable gain levels allow the pilot to have precision control at extremely low speeds as well as high power to overcome currents and 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 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, well-proven components like our Locking Watertight Enclosures and WetLink Penetrator and it comes with a vacuum test pump to verify a proper seal before each dive.

Modular Frame Design and Expandability

Modular Frame Design and Expandability

Photo credit: Abyss Solutions

Designed like a work class or research class ROV, the BlueROV2 has an open frame that carries the electronics and battery enclosures, thrusters, buoyancy foam, and ballast weights. This simple design is robust and expandable, making it easy to attach accessories such as an ROV gripper or scanning sonar. We have a payload skid available that extends the frame further and allows you to attach much larger payloads. We’ve seen people use this for scientific instruments, pressure washer attachments, additional battery enclosures, and more.

The BlueROV2 is designed to be expanded and modified and many of our users have made significant modifications to suit their particular applications. Replacing the standard frame with a custom frame, you can create just about any underwater robot you can imagine!

Photo credit: Abyss Solutions

Powered by the Navigator and BlueOS

Powered by the Navigator and BlueOS

The BlueROV2 is controlled by the Navigator Flight Controller and BlueOS. The Navigator is a purpose-built controller for ROVs and other robotic applications that has onboard sensors including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and magnetometer to measure orientation and 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 a number of serial and I2C communication 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 update the software to add new features. BlueOS is a growing project and will continue to provide new features to all BlueROV2s.

At the surface, the pilot controls the ROV through a laptop computer and gamepad controller. The open-source QGroundControl application acts as the user interface, providing the live video stream, sensor feedback and information, and the ability to change settings and configuration.

Getting Started with the BlueROV2

Getting Started with the BlueROV2

Photo credit: Jeff Milisen

The BlueROV2 is designed for both entry-level and advanced ROV users. It comes with everything you need to get in the water except for a few components:

  • Laptop – We recommend a medium to high-end model with Windows 10, Mac, or Linux operating systems. There are also some compatible tablets including the Windows Surface tablets. iOS and Android are not officially supported at this time.
  • Gamepad Controller – We recommend the Xbox Wireless Controller or the Logitech F310 controllers.
  • Battery – We recommend our 14.8v, 18Ah lithium-ion battery for the best battery life, but we can’t ship it to all locations! 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!
Photo credit: Jeff Milisen

Available Options, Add-ons, and Accessories

BlueROV2 with integrated Ping360.

Available Options, Add-ons, and Accessories

First of all, there are a few configurable options that you’ll have to choose:

  • The Fathom Tether length can be selected from 25 meters all the way up 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.
  • The lights are available in 2-light and 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.

Once you’ve got a solid grip on the basics, there are countless ways to expand your BlueROV2! We have a few core accessories:

Further Customization

Further Customization

If you’re looking to customize your ROV even further and add additional sensors, we recommend the following resources:

  • The BlueOS docs site has the documentation and developer guide for BlueOS and ArduSub, the software that controls the ROV.
  • The BlueROV2 section of our forums have many users who have made significant modifications and can provide guidance and ideas.
  • Our BlueROV2 Payload Skid product provides additional room on the ROV.
  • Many of our Distributors specialize in BlueROV2 customizations and modifications!

Product Description

The BlueROV2 is the world’s most affordable high-performance underwater ROV. With six- and eight-thruster configurations, a number of available accessories, and open source software, it has an unprecedented level of performance, flexibility, and expandability. With several thousand units out in the field, the BlueROV2 is one of the most popular underwater drones on the market!

The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled and requires 6-8 hours of user assembly to complete. During the assembly process, you learn how all of the components of the system work and fit together and it leaves you with the knowledge needed to make upgrades and improvements in the future!

Live HD Camera and Lighting

At the front of the ROV is a high definition (1080p, 30fps) wide-angle low-light camera optimized for use on the ROV. It’s mounted to a tilt mechanism so that the pilot can control the camera tilt to look up or down, even when the ROV is level.

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 Configuration

Vectored Thruster Configuration and the Heavy Configuration

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 feedback stability.

Adjustable gain levels allow the pilot to have precision control at extremely low speeds as well as high power to overcome currents and 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 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, well-proven components like our Locking Watertight Enclosures and WetLink Penetrator and it comes with a vacuum test pump to verify a proper seal before each dive.

Modular Frame Design and Expandability

Modular Frame Design and Expandability

Photo credit: Abyss Solutions

Designed like a work class or research class ROV, the BlueROV2 has an open frame that carries the electronics and battery enclosures, thrusters, buoyancy foam, and ballast weights. This simple design is robust and expandable, making it easy to attach accessories such as an ROV gripper or scanning sonar. We have a payload skid available that extends the frame further and allows you to attach much larger payloads. We’ve seen people use this for scientific instruments, pressure washer attachments, additional battery enclosures, and more.

The BlueROV2 is designed to be expanded and modified and many of our users have made significant modifications to suit their particular applications. Replacing the standard frame with a custom frame, you can create just about any underwater robot you can imagine!

Photo credit: Abyss Solutions

Powered by the Navigator and BlueOS

Powered by the Navigator and BlueOS

The BlueROV2 is controlled by the Navigator Flight Controller and BlueOS. The Navigator is a purpose-built controller for ROVs and other robotic applications that has onboard sensors including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and magnetometer to measure orientation and 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 a number of serial and I2C communication 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 update the software to add new features. BlueOS is a growing project and will continue to provide new features to all BlueROV2s.

At the surface, the pilot controls the ROV through a laptop computer and gamepad controller. The open-source QGroundControl application acts as the user interface, providing the live video stream, sensor feedback and information, and the ability to change settings and configuration.

Getting Started with the BlueROV2

Getting Started with the BlueROV2

Photo credit: Jeff Milisen

The BlueROV2 is designed for both entry-level and advanced ROV users. It comes with everything you need to get in the water except for a few components:

  • Laptop – We recommend a medium to high-end model with Windows 10, Mac, or Linux operating systems. There are also some compatible tablets including the Windows Surface tablets. iOS and Android are not officially supported at this time.
  • Gamepad Controller – We recommend the Xbox Wireless Controller or the Logitech F310 controllers.
  • Battery – We recommend our 14.8v, 18Ah lithium-ion battery for the best battery life, but we can’t ship it to all locations! 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!
Photo credit: Jeff Milisen

Available Options, Add-ons, and Accessories

BlueROV2 with integrated Ping360.

Available Options, Add-ons, and Accessories

First of all, there are a few configurable options that you’ll have to choose:

  • The Fathom Tether length can be selected from 25 meters all the way up 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.
  • The lights are available in 2-light and 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.

Once you’ve got a solid grip on the basics, there are countless ways to expand your BlueROV2! We have a few core accessories:

Further Customization

Further Customization

If you’re looking to customize your ROV even further and add additional sensors, we recommend the following resources:

  • The BlueOS docs site has the documentation and developer guide for BlueOS and ArduSub, the software that controls the ROV.
  • The BlueROV2 section of our forums have many users who have made significant modifications and can provide guidance and ideas.
  • Our BlueROV2 Payload Skid product provides additional room on the ROV.
  • Many of our Distributors specialize in BlueROV2 customizations and modifications!

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

Electronics Enclosure

Battery Enclosure

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

Fathom-X Tether Interface

Other Components

Tools

Extras

What’s Not Included

There are some items necessary for operation that are not included with the kit.

Specifications

ParameterValue
Physical
Length457 mm18 in
Width338 mm13.3 in
Height254 mm10 in
Weight in Air (with default Ballast and Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery)11-12 kg24-27 lb
Weight in Air (without Ballast or battery)9-10 kg20-22 lb
Cable Penetrator Holes18 total, 6 available for expansion
Wetted Materials6061-T6, 7075-T6 Anodized aluminum
316, 18-8 Stainless steel
HDPE
Polycarbonate plastic
Nylon
Acrylic
PTFE
Plastic
FKM
Buna-N
R-3318 polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane
Epoxy
Molykote 111 compound
Electronics EnclosureBlue Robotics 4" series WTE
Battery EnclosureBlue Robotics 3" series WTE
Buoyancy FoamR-3318 polyurethane foam
Ballast Weight9 x 200 g stainless steel weights
Performance
Maximum Rated Depth100 m (w/ acrylic tubes)
300 m (w/ aluminum tubes)
330 ft (w/ acrylic tubes)
985 ft (w/ aluminum tubes)
Temperature Range0-30°C32-86°F
Payload Capacity¹ (configuration dependent)1.2 kg (4x Lumens) to 1.4 kg (no Lumens)2.6 to 3.1 lbs
Maximum Forward Speed1.5 m/s3 knots
Forward Bollard Thrust (45°)9 kgf19.8 lbf
Vertical Bollard Thrust7 kgf15.4 lbf
Lateral Bollard Thrust (45°)9 kgf19.8 lbf
ThrustersBlue Robotics T200
ESCBlue Robotics Basic 30A ESC
Thruster Configuration6 thrusters
(4 vectored, 2 vertical)
Battery
Battery Life (w/ Blue Robotics 15.6Ah battery)~2 hours (normal use)
~4 hours (light use)
Batteries can be changed in about 30 seconds
Battery ConnectorXT90
Lights
Brightness1500 lumens each with dimming control
Light Beam Angle135 degrees, with adjustable tilt
Tether
Diameter7.6 mm0.30 in
Length25-300 m80-980 ft
Working Strength45 kgf100 lbf
Breaking Strength160 kgf350 lbf
Strength MemberKevlar with waterblock
Buoyancy in FreshwaterNeutral
Buoyancy in SaltwaterSlightly positive
Conductors4 or 1 twisted pairs, 26 AWG
Sensors
IMU6-DOF IMU (on Navigator)
CompassDual 3-DOF magnetometers (on Navigator)
Internal pressure Internal barometer (on Navigator)
Pressure/Depth and Temperature Sensor (external)Blue Robotics Bar30
Current and Voltage SensingBlue Robotics Power Sense Module
Leak SensorIntegrated leak sensor (on Navigator)
Camera Tilt
Tilt Range+/- 90 degree camera tilt (180 total range)
Tilt ServoHitec HS-5055MG
Camera
Camera ModelLow-Light HD USB Camera
Resolution1080p
Field of View (Underwater)110 degrees (horizontal)
Light Sensitivity0.01 lux
Control System
Onboard ComputerRaspberry Pi 4 (2GB) w/ BlueOS
AutopilotBlue Robotics Navigator
Autopilot SoftwareArduSub
Tether Interface BoardFathom-X Tether Interface Board
¹ Certain payload configurations will require additional buoyancy.

System Requirements

ParameterValue
Operating System
WindowsWindows 10 64bit or later
MacOS10.20 or later
UbuntuLatest LTS (20.04) or later
Recommended Hardware¹
Processori5 processor equivalent or better
Discrete Nvidia or AMD graphics card²
RAM8GB
StorageSolid-state drive (SSD)
¹ Ground control station software performance will depend on the system environment, 3rd party applications, and available system resources. More capable hardware will provide a better experience.
² Integrated graphics are suitable in most cases, a discrete graphics card is recommended for best experience.

Component Depth Ratings

ComponentDepth Rating
Electronics Enclosure Tube (4" Series)100 m (acrylic)
950 m (aluminum)
4" Series 18-Hole End Cap950 m
4" Series Dome500 m
Battery Enclosure Tube (3" Series)200 m (acrylic)
950 m (aluminum)
3" Series Blank Aluminum End Cap950 m
3" Series 4-Hole End Cap950 m
Bar30 Depth/Pressure Sensor300 m
Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)950 m
WetLink Penetrators and Blanks950 m
Buoyancy Foam300 m
Fathom ROV Ready Tether950 m
Lumen Lights500 m
T200 ThrustersN/A

2D Drawings

BlueROV2 2D

3D Models

BLUEROV2-R4 (.zip)

BLUEROV2-R3 (.zip)

BLUEROV2-R1 (.zip)

Documents

BlueROV2 with red-wire (BEC) ESCs (Pre-2018) (.pdf)

BlueROV2 with no-red-wire ESCs (R1, R2, and R3) (.pdf)

BlueROV2 Heavy (R1, R2, and R3) (.pdf)

BlueROV2 (R4, current) (.pdf)

Revision History

7 February 2024

  • SOS probe tips changed to square

29 June 2023

  • BLUEROV2-P-R4-RP SKU changed to BR-100415
  • BLUEROV2-M-R4-RP SKU changed to BR-100196

7 June 2022

  • R4 – Initial Release
  • Raspberry Pi 3B and Pixhawk changed to Raspberry Pi 4B and Navigator Flight Controller
  • 4” Series Enclosure changed to 4” Series Locking Enclosure
  • 3” Series Enclosure changed to 3” Series Locking Enclosure
  • Vacuum Vent and Plug changed to Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)
  • Bar30 updated to R2 version
  • ROV Frame updated to R3 version (minor changes to improve strength)
  • Vacuum plug updated to new version
  • Cradle extension clips changed to unified mounting clips

14 September 2021

24 May 2021

  • R2 – Initial Release
  • Updated T200 Thrusters to R2 design

4 November 2020

4 January 2019

  • Updated 200g Ballast Weight to R2 design
  • Updated Moisture Indicating Silica Gel Desiccant Bags to R2 design

10 October 2018

28 August 2018

7 August 2018

10 July 2018

24 April 2018

14 February 2018

15 January 2018

9 November 2017

21 September 2017

  • Updated Frame - 30 Degree thruster mounting option, rounded edges, captive screw inserts

31 August 2017

2 May 2017

  • Updated ESC to R2 design

14 March 2017

  • Pre-installed ArduSub 3.4 (stable version) on the Pixhawk
  • Pre-installed recommended parameters on the Pixhawk
  • Pre-installed ArduSub Raspbian on the SD card for the Raspberry Pi 3
  • Pre-installed the Fathom-X Tether Interface on the electronics tray and all of the wiring has been completed
  • Pre-installed the Raspberry Pi and Pixhawk on the electronics tray with most of the wiring completed
  • Pre-installed Pixhawk Power Module and the wiring is completed
  • Pre-wired the ESCs
  • Three of the thrusters now come with the counter-clockwise propellers pre-installed
  • The camera, Pixhawk, Raspberry Pi, and Fathom-X connections have all been tested
  • Included and installed the SOS Leak Sensor onto the electronics tray

27 October 2016

  • Updated 4" Dome to R2 design

31 August 2016

21 June 2016

  • R1 – Initial release

The Basics

BlueROV2 Assembly
Get your BlueROV2 built quickly with this assembly guide!
BlueROV2 Software Setup
Get your BlueROV2 connected to a topside computer, the vehicle updated, and joystick properly calibrated!
BlueROV2 Operation
Learn how to operate your newly built BlueROV2!

Other Guides

BlueROV2 Buyer’s Guide by Options
Need a BlueROV2, but not quite sure what else to get for it? Check out this guide which goes through your options!
BlueROV2 Buyer’s Guide by Application
Check out this guide for what to install on your BlueROV2 for your specific industry!
Connecting Your Device with Navigator and BlueOS
Get things connected to your BlueOS powered vehicle! Whether Serial, I2C, Ethernet or USB, collecting data for your application is possible!

QGroundControl User Interface Guide

ArduSub GitBook Documentation (Advanced features and functions)

Finding Replacement Screws for Blue Robotics Products

Community

Blue Robotics Forum – BlueROV2

Blue Robotics Forum – ArduSub

Blue Robotics Forum – QGroundControl

The ROV communication is Ethernet-based, so Ethernet-based devices can be integrated by tapping into the ROV network through an Ethernet Switch. There is direct access to the onboard Raspberry Pi to integrate 3rd party sensors via USB. Lastly, three spare twisted pairs are available in the tether to connect RS485 devices to the topside.

The maximum speed of the BlueROV2 is 3 knots, but we typically recommend operating in no more than 1-1.5 knots of the current, so there is still reserve control authority to head into the current.

The amount of buoyancy available without ballast weights is 1.2 - 1.4 kg, depending on the number of Lumens mounted. At full gain, the vertical thrusters can produce about 7 kgf of thrust.

We do not manufacture a case to carry or store the ROV. Whenever we travel with them, we use the following cases:
The Pelican Air 1637 fits the standard configuration, and the SKB 2424 will hold the BlueROV2 with a Heavy Kit.