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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.
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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
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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
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Corsaire 1 “Speedy” is controlled from the vessel, using live feeds from the on-board cameras.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
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A tether cable links the vessel to the robot, to exchange data and supply power.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
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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
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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
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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
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The Corsaire Concept Project involves archaeologists as well as 3D imaging and robotics experts.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
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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
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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
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The team is also testing a 3D laser prototype that can scan objects under water.
Teddy Séguin/ Frédéric Osada/ DRASSM/ Images Explorations
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