Reach Alpha 5
The Reach Alpha 5 is a lightweight, electrically-powered subsea robotic manipulator arm manufactured by Reach Robotics and designed for portable and inspection-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). It features a 2 kg lift capacity, 360 mm reach, and 300 MSW depth rating, and is operated via teleoperation by a human controller using various input devices.
Overview and Use Cases
The Reach Alpha 5 is a 5-function subsea manipulator arm produced by Reach Robotics, a robotics company based in Sydney, Australia, founded in 2016. The system is classified as an inspection-class manipulator designed for integration with portable ROV platforms operating in subsea environments.
The Reach Alpha 5 is employed for subsea intervention and inspection tasks, including door-handle actuation and light intervention work. As a teleoperated system, the manipulator requires continuous human control and does not operate autonomously.
Key Capabilities
The Reach Alpha 5 operates as a remote-controlled manipulator arm capable of performing precision subsea tasks. Operator control is facilitated through multiple input methods:
- Master arm control
- Gamepad interface
- Command pods
- Application Programming Interface (API)
These control options allow operators to pilot the arm from surface-based control stations or specialized control interfaces. The system is designed to support light intervention work, including mechanical actuation tasks in subsea environments.
Specifications
- Lift Capacity: 2 kg (4.4 lb)
- Reach: 360 mm (14.2 in)
- Depth Rating: 300 MSW (metres of seawater)
- Power System: All-electric
- Design Class: 5-function manipulator
- Control Method: Teleoperated (remote human-operated)
Applications
The Reach Alpha 5 is designed for deployment on inspection-class and portable ROV systems. Primary applications include:
- Subsea door or valve actuation
- Light intervention and manipulation tasks
- Inspection-support operations requiring mechanical intervention
- Tasks requiring portable deployment on smaller ROV platforms
The lightweight design and electric-based system make it suitable for integration with ROVs where weight and power constraints are considerations.
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