Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad

DDU SSIP Cell

Title of the Proposal SUB-EX (Submarine Explorer for Underwater Body EXamination)
Details of Innovator Name: Meet Jain
Department: Electronics and Communication
Semester: V
ID No.: 22ECUOS038
Details of Mentor: (1) Name: Dr. Mitesh Limachia
(2) Email ID: mitesh.ec@ddu.ac.in
(3) Contact no.: +91 98983 61511
Name, branch, Semester of Name: Dave Krish
All Team members Branch: Electronics and Communication
Semester: V

Name: Dharmik Shah

Branch: Electronics and Communication
Semester: V

Name: Tilak Bhavsar

Branch: Mechanical
Semester: VII
Duration of Project 1 Year
(A) Abstract of Project
SUB-EX (Submarine Explorer for Underwater Body EXamination) outlines a project to develop and
deploy a 3D-printed underwater submarine designed for inspection and surveillance of submerged
constructions and buildings. The submarine is capable of navigating underwater environments to
monitor various parameters and provide live video feed to the pilot's screen. SUB-EX aims to
enhance the safety and efficiency of underwater inspections by delivering real-time, high-quality
visual and data feedback. With potential applications in civil engineering, maintenance of underwater
structures like bridges and dams, this project seeks to secure a grant to advance its development,
ensuring robust and reliable performance in diverse underwater conditions.
(B) Description of Problem
Ensuring the safety and integrity of underwater structures like dams, river bridges and dockyards is
a compulsion, as they support essential services and economic activities nationwide as India’s
infrastructure network relies heavily on it.
Government regulations mandate regular inspections for these structures to prevent potential risks
and ensure public safety. Specifically, every major dam is required to undergo biannual inspections
to detect and address structural issues promptly. However, the current methods used for these
inspections are very challenging and hence regular inspections are not conducted.
Traditional inspection techniques primarily involve manual diving operations, which are not only
time-consuming but also labour-intensive. There are some ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles)
available that serve the same purpose but they start from a minimum of $6,000 and the cost of other
peripherals are yet to be included, making them economically prohibitive, especially in the Indian
market. This financial barrier restricts the frequency of inspections. With over 5,000 major dams,
1.35 lakh river bridges, and more than 1.5 lakh railway bridges and dockyards across the country, the
need for efficient and cost-effective inspection solutions is vital and demanding. Insufficient
inspection frequency due to technological and cost limitations poses risks of undetected corrosion,
structural deterioration, and other forms of damage that could compromise infrastructure safety.
Moreover, the dependence on outdated inspection methods threatens the timely maintenance and
proactive management of these vital assets. Without adequate and accessible inspection technologies,
there is a very high risk of infrastructure failures, service disruptions, and substantial economic
losses. These potential consequences show the critical need for innovative solutions.
 Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad
DDU SSIP Cell

(C) Objectives
The objective of SUB-EX is to create a robust, 3D-printed underwater submarine equipped with
advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras capable of conducting detailed inspections of various
underwater constructions, including dams, bridges, pipelines, and dockyards. This advanced system
aims to enhance the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of underwater infrastructure
management.
 The submarine is constructed using cutting-edge 3D printing technology, which allows for a
lightweight, customizable, and durable design. The use of waterproof and corrosion-resistant
materials ensures the system's robustness in harsh underwater environments. The modular
design facilitates easy upgrades and maintenance, ensuring long-term adaptability and
scalability.
 SUB-EX implements advanced navigation and algorithms to enable the submarine to
navigate the complex underwater environments so as to conduct comprehensive inspections.
 It also integrates reliable communication technology which provides live video feeds and
real time sensor data to operators facilitating immediate analysis and decision making which
so as to avoid potential consequences like infrastructure failures, service disruptions and
economic losses
 It also reduces the dependency on manual diving operations, and hence minimizing risks to
human divers and increasing efficiency and frequency of underwater operations.
 Along with decreasing the dependency on traditional methods due to 3D printing technology
and autonomous operation, the submarine significantly reduces the operational costs
associated with underwater inspections. Traditional ROVs, which can start from $6,000 per
inspection, are economically prohibitive for many stakeholders. The proposed system offers
a more affordable solution, making regular and comprehensive inspections feasible
especially for the Indian market.
 The submarine procures expertise in early detection of structural detects, corrosion and other
anomalies to support maintenance tasks. This approach helps extend the lifespan of
underwater structures and ensures their continued safety and functionality.
In summary, the 3D-printed underwater inspection and surveillance system is a transformative tool
that promises to change the underwater infrastructure management, ensuring enhanced safety,
efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in maintaining critical underwater assets.
(D) Value Proposition
SUB-EX is a vital tool totally meant for underwater infrastructure management, specifically
engineered to meet the serious needs for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective inspection and
maintenance solutions.
 It eliminates the need for hazardous manual diving operations, thereby safeguarding human
lives. Its autonomous navigation and real-time data transmission capabilities ensure thorough
and efficient inspections, significantly reducing downtime and operational risks.
 It’s a vital tool that provides a very good accuracy in detecting cracks, corrosion, and other
structural issues. This capability allows timely and precise maintenance, preventing failures
and longevity of the structures. On top of this SUB-EX’s real-time video feeds and sensor
data transmission provide instant insights into the condition of underwater structures.
 The ROVs for the inspections cost more than $6,000 per inspection, however SUB-EX offers
a highly cost-effective alternative. This increases the bandwidth of the stakeholders
particularly in cost sensitive markets like India.
 The 3D printed construction allows customizable design making it adaptable even at a depth
of 85 Meters. This flexibility ensures that the system can improve with technological
advancements and changing inspection needs so as to provide an end-to-end long term and
sustainable solution.
 It can be deployed across multiple industries to inspect diverse underwater environments,
from dams and bridges to dockyards and pipelines.
Overall SUB-EX is an emerging tool meant for underwater infrastructure management, ensuring
secure, reliable and sustainable infrastructure for the country.
 Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad
DDU SSIP Cell

(E) Market Survey

(i) Analysis of BlueROV2
Length 45.7 cm
Width 33.8 cm
Height 25.4 cm
Weight in Air 10-11 kg
Construction HDPE frame, Aluminium flanges and acrylic tubes
Maximum Rated Depth 100 m
Maximum Forward Speed 1 m/s
Thruster 6 Thrusters
Battery Life 2 hours
Camera 1080p Digital
Camera Field of View 110 degrees horizontally
Tilt Range 180o
Sensors 3 DOF Gyroscope, 3 DOF Accelerometer, 3 DOF Magnetometer,
Barometer, Pressure and Temperature Sensor, Current and Voltage
Sensing, Leak Detection
PRICE: - Rs. 12,75,000/-

(ii) Existing Patents

Application Number: 3305/CHE/2014
Name: Remotely Piloted Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Design
Abstract: The Remotely Piloted Unmanned Underwater Vehicle is designed for pipeline
maintenance. It autonomously navigates underwater pipelines, using sensors, GPS, IMU, and a
wireless camera to detect leaks. Data and real-time video data can be transmitted to the ground
station.

(iii) Existing Startup

EyeROV TUNA: India’s First Commercial Underwater Drone/ROV
Technical Details
(F) Current Status of Project
 Currently, SUB-EX is in research phase, where our primary focus is designing the model of
submarine model so as to get maximum performance and durability.
 Parallelly we are also actively developing methods focused on identifying underwater
structural cracks.
 We are using Arduino microcontrollers to program and test various codes aimed at
optimizing codes aimed at optimizing data transmission and sensor integration.
 This technical groundwork is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable crack detection in
the submerged structures.
 Each component of the submarine is being carefully planned and tested to ensure seamless
integration and functionality
 SUB-EX team is actively engaged in their respective areas of expertise from electronics and
programming to mechanical design and sensor technology so as to develop the submarine
with the highest standards.
 To ensure the success of SUB-EX our research and development process is designed to
overcome the technical challenges associated with the underwater inspection and
maintenance.
 Looking at our progress, it’s safe to say that we are approaching closer to start developing a
prototype. Currently SUB-EX targets on building a ROV which comprises live feed and
crack detection system and we are committed to create a solution that not only meets but
exceeds industry needs ensuring longevity and reliability of submerged structures.
 Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad
DDU SSIP Cell

(G) Future Proposition

 Future iterations of SUB-EX could feature enhanced AI and machine learning algorithms,
enabling even more sophisticated autonomous navigation and decision-making. These
upgrades would allow the submarine to perform complex tasks with minimal human
intervention, further increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
 Using additional sensors like advanced sonar systems, chemical detectors and bio-
monitoring devices we can broaden the scope of inspections.
 The next stage of SUB-EX implements a system where multiple SUB-EX units can co-
ordinate and communicate with each other leading to more efficient large scale inspections
using swarm intelligence.
 Today the global underwater security market size is valued more than 10 Bn US $. With
ongoing improvements SUB-EX has the potential to dive in and expand its market globally
benefiting all type of underwater infrastructure and unlocking immense business
opportunities.
(H) Feasibility and Willingness for…

Patent Filing Startup None

(I) Breakup of Fund Required
Expense Head Major Items Amount
Components Pixhawk Controller Rs.17,000/-
Raspberry Pi and Camera Rs.12,000/-
Tethering Cable Rs. 7,000/-
BLDC Motors Rs. 7,000/-
30A ESCs and Lipo Battery Rs. 7,000/-
Microcontrollers Rs. 3,000/-
Consumables Acrylic Tube Rs. 5,000/-
Buoyancy Foam Rs. 2,000/-
Sensors and Modules Rs. 2,000/-
Wires and Soldering Rs. 2,000/-
Epoxy Resin Rs. 1,000/-
Miscellaneous Expenses Rs. 5,000/-
Professional Services 3D Prints of Submarine and Propellors Rs. 25,000/-
Total Amount Rs. 95,000/-

<NOTE: SUB-EX team holds an extensive experience with Flight Controllers, Arduino and ESP
Programming, BLDC Motors and flight controller programming. This ensures smooth
navigation, efficient propulsion, and precise control, enhancing the practicability and reliability
of the project >

Name of Team leader: Meet Jain Name of Mentor: Dr. Mitesh Limachia
Signature: Designation: Assistant Professor
Signature:

References:
Background on Underwater Body Examination
Review of Detection Technologies
EyeROV TUNA - A Startup