OpenROV Trident – The Underwater Drone That’s Now On Kickstarter

Drones have become quite popular with photographers, videographers and professional filmmakers to some amazing footage from the sky. But, what about recording underwater? An unexplored part for drones has been diving under the water and recoding. While there are a few drones that are waterproof or drones that can be made waterproof, the OpenROV Trident looks promising.

Started as a Kickstarter campaign, the drone is in the early stages of development and aims to be used in different applications that are related to oceanic exploration. But the fact that it features a HD camera is what is exiting eagerly waiting fans.

All the exact details about the camera have not been disclosed yet, but the team developing the drone claims that the camera will be of HD resolution and will have a wide angle, with at least 30 fps. But unlike the UAV’s that have action cameras attached to them, this drone’s camera will be using a cable to record the footage. The cable will be attached to a computer on the surface.

This limitation is because of the design on the drone. It will measure 7.87 in x 15.75 in x 3.15 in and weigh 6.4 lbs. The thin, floating cable will have the capability of sending video and telemetry above the water via video signals that can be recorded onto a laptop or computer. It is essential to use the cable, as radio waves wouldn’t be able to properly through the water. The cable attaches to a WiFi buoy above water, which will let you regulate the Trident using a tablet, laptop, or even a VR device like Oculus Rift.

The original goal for the Kickstarter campaign was $50,000, but they already gone over $579,000 in pledges. If all works as per plan, the OpenROV Trident will release in November 2016 at the cost of $1,199.