Hoytek is a Turkish based engineering and robotics company specialising in integrating observation class subsea ROV’s. They integrate cameras, lights, depth sensors, thrusters and more onto ROVs – offering a robust package for underwater intervention. Hoytek regularly services educational institutions as well as defence and military groups. As such, their ROV’s are frequently used for Subsea and Robotics Research and to conduct Search and Recovery (SAR) operations.
Recently Hoytek was commissioned by the Turkish Police SAR taskforce to provide a complete solution for recovering victims from shipwrecks and other coastal accidents. The client required a 3-function manipulator integrated with a 200m Hoytek observation class ROV for mission success. Reach Robotics’s Reach Alpha robotic manipulators – specifically designed for inspection and intervention tasks provided the perfect solution. Being purpose-built for resilience in harsh environments, the Alpha 3 is robust, strong and requires minimal user training – making it the perfect vehicle companion tool for SAR missions. Hoytek also used Blueprint Lab’s single function Alpha Bend actuator, which they describe as “perfect for this size ROV”. The Alpha Bend unit was used to tilt the vehicles lights and cameras at different angles for improved visuals underwater.
In recent integration field tests, Hoytek along with their Police SAR clients simulated a common shipwreck scenario in which they successfully recovered a mannequin-victim. Using their advanced ROV with sonar and USBL systems, they were able to search the area and locate the wreckage. They then proceeded to grab the mannequin’s belt with the Alpha 3 robotic arm and resurface it by lifting from the torso, using the Alpha Bend to keep the camera eyes on, independent of the pitch of the vehicle.
The combination of advanced technology from Hoytek and Reach Robotics ensured the simulated mission was a success and means the Turkish Police SAR taskforce can begin deploying this vehicle/manipulator package in real world operations. At Reach Robotics, we’re proud to see our products undertaking critical and complex operations with success and are looking forward to future endeavours and achievements with our partners at Hoytek.
