You are here
Touching the Depths
10.12.2015, by
When it comes to handling ancient pottery, nothing can replace a steady human hand. Or so archaeologists believed before they tested Corsaire 1 “Speedy.” The world's first submarine robot archaeologist explored the wreck of the Lune, a warship belonging to the fleet of Louis XIV, which sank off the coast of Toulon (southern France) in Novembre 1664.
1
Slideshow mode
The three-fingered hand with “adaptive grasp” adjusts to the shape of the object it handles without breaking it.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
2
Slideshow mode
To mimic the precise and gentle touch of human archaeologists, the robotic hand is equipped with pressure sensors.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
3
Slideshow mode
Corsaire 1 “Speedy” is controlled from the vessel, using live feeds from the on-board cameras.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
4
Slideshow mode
A tether cable links the vessel to the robot, to exchange data and supply power.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
5
Slideshow mode
The robotic hand can be replaced by "claws," which resemble rakes that cross and overlap in order to collect objects that are difficult to handle.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
6
Slideshow mode
The samples are carefully placed in a case that is sent directly to the surface— letting “Speedy” get back to work immediately.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
7
Slideshow mode
The Lune shipwreck lies 90 m deep in the bay of Toulon (southern France). The ship, which belonged to Louis XIV, sank in 1664, taking hundreds of lives and thousands of objects with it.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
8
Slideshow mode
The Corsaire Concept Project involves archaeologists as well as 3D imaging and robotics experts.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
9
Slideshow mode
Back on board, the finds are immediately processed. Their long stay in salt water have made them extremely fragile.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
10
Slideshow mode
Of the many items found is this green and yellow glazed bottle, from the workshops of the Huveaune valley
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
11
Slideshow mode
The team is also testing a 3D laser prototype that can scan objects under water.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
Keywords
Share this article
See also
Society
Article
11/25/2024
Article
11/18/2024
Article
11/12/2024
Slideshow
11/08/2024
Slideshow
11/13/2024
Robotics
Article
01/23/2023
Article
10/20/2022
Article
08/11/2022
Article
07/22/2020
Video
12/20/2019
Archaeology
Video
03/25/2021
Article
01/09/2020
Article
12/03/2019
Article
05/15/2018
Video
01/22/2016
Comments
Log in, join the CNRS News community