b'Thepredecessorsofmodern-dayunderwaterrobotsUnderwater robotics are divided into two basic categories, FOGHORN FOCUS were developed much earlier than some may realize. Inremotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous under-fact, the origins of underwater robots can be traced backwater vehicles (AUVs). ROVs are tethered to an operator on to 1866 with the first programmed underwater vehiclea ship or on land, and via the tethers, operative commands (PUV) which was a self-propelled torpedo developed byare given to the vehicle while it uses the tether to send back Giovanni Luppis and Robert Whitehead. The first teth- data such as photos and videos. They may have a robot ered robotic vehicle was developed by photographer andarm, called a manipulator, on the front, and can be used to inventor Dimitri Rebikoff in 1953 with photographic ca- for tasks such as installing subsea cables, fixing oil rigs, or pabilities for endeavors such as mapping the ocean floor,exploring the deep ocean. capturing visuals of marine life, or aiding archaeological surveys. The U.S. Navy is credited with advancing theUnlike ROVs, AUVs are not tethered, and instead complete technology in the 1960s for use in underwater explora- pre-planned missions with operators able to collect data tion and search and rescue missions. Commercial firmsonce the vehicle has resurfaced. These robots may have a continued to progress the technology as industries suchtorpedo-like shape and are often used for such projects as as offshore oil and gas became interested in the use of themapping the seabed, finding shipwrecks, military applica-robots in oil fields, and by the 1980s, they were essentialtions, or taking water samples.in offshore development at extreme depths. Today, un-derwater robots are used extensively by several industriesWhen speaking with Loefler, he first took time to discuss andthetechnologyiscontinuallybeingadvancedandthe robots that are gaining popularity above the waters honed for more specialized applications.surface, flying drones. The drone revolution, as he called 2024 Western Region Meeting Katica Klassic MemorialTournamentPlease join us for the 2024 Katica KlassicTournament Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Couer dAlene Resort Golf Course. FeaturingThe Floating Green, designed by PVAassociate member Glosten, this course is on many golfers bucket lists. The four-person event includes your greens fee, range balls, shared cart, lunch, and great fun.Click here to learn more and to register. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.FOGHORN 20'