The “Exosuit”, touted as the most advanced
robotic diving suit, is soon going to help in search for more information about
one of the world's oldest computers - the Antikythera mechanism. According to
reports, the tests are being conducted to prepare the suit for an ambitious
attempt to excavate an ancient Roman shipwreck off the Greek island of
Antikythera in the Aegean Sea.
Almost
100 years ago, divers had discovered the world's oldest computer – the Antikythera mechanism –
from the wreck, which is at depth of about 120m (around 400ft), and previous
efforts to reach the wreck have led to decompression sickness or death. The
Exosuit is expected to search for a second device when it dives in September.
The
Iron Man-like suit was initially designed by Nutco as an upgrade of its
Newtsuit in 1987. The Exosuit features articulated rotary joints that enable
divers to move freely and can work in depth of up to 1000ft (305m). The Exosuit
comes with several upgrades over the predecessor.
The
Exosuit is built of aluminium alloy and is about 50-350lb (113-159kg) lighter
than the Newtsuit. The suit has lesser hours of oxygen supply though – 50 hours
as compared to 56. It has less powerful thrusters, but has advanced
communications, which is based on a full duplex intercom with six
stations.
The
control system and recording equipment are also major upgrade over the
Newtsuit. The Exosuit uses gigabit Ethernet over fibre optic and is equipped
with a HD camera that sends a live video feed to the surface. It also features
Imagenex 852 SONAR, as well as voice communications and a data feed.
The
Exosuit is connected to the surface through an umbilical cord, providing fibre
optic cable and power cable. These can be controlled using foot pedals,
allowing diver to use the hands and arms for other purposes.
Its
learnt that the suit has just finished its first test dive in a tank, and is
slated to go for testing as scientific instrument in July. Check out more
details about the Exosuit below:
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