Over 70% of the earth's surface is covered with water. And those blue expanses visible on the globe still hide many secrets today. The bottoms of rivers, lakes and oceans are in fact subject to continuous underwater exploration. And, starting this year, the drone made in Italy ArcheoROV will join the many explorers.
ArcheoROV: from Trentino to the ocean
It seems strange, but the drone assigned to marine exploration comes from Trentino, a region certainly not famous for its beaches. Here the Arc-Teams of Cles (group of archaeologists from Trentino) was looking for a way to explore the depths of the lakes of Northern Italy. WitLab thus decided to create ArcheoRov, a drone capable of assisting archaeologists and contributing to the discovery of the numerous underwater treasures.
A drone therefore designed for exploration, but which can also be used for monitoring coastal pollution. Or just for entertainment.
ArcheoRov is in fact easy to control and relatively cheap (compared to the competition). Its launch price (expected by 2017) will be around 2500 euros. It can be equipped with various tools such as 3D scanners, sonar and high resolution cameras. Remote controlled, ArcheoRov can reach a depth of 100 meters and does not require the licenses to which flying drones are subject.
WitLab: craftsmanship 3.0
But who made ArcheoROV? It was the WitLab, the largest hi-tech craft workshop in Europe.
Based in Rovereto (TN), WitLab was born less than two years ago thanks to the collaboration between Witted SRL and the Trentino Sviluppo SPA Manifattura Project. A space of over 300 square meters with 3D printers, state-of-the-art computers and an infinite series of useful equipment for each project. In short, a place where ideas come to life.
Andrea Saiani, Emanuele Rocco and Leonardo Venuzzi are the minds behind the creation of WitLab. Their desire was to create an artisan workshop, but in 3.0 mode. Here, if you have an idea, you can propose it, design it and implement it. And in a short time WitLab has become a reference point for many young inventors, but also groups or companies looking for someone able to create what they need. Just like ArcheoRov, the drone made in Italy.
