Oceanbotics Inc. returned to the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week with its involvement in the new special Black Mako of the Abyss, deploying its SRV-8X remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) during production.
The special was filmed off the coast of Catalina Island in Southern California.
To assist in locating a rare, dark-colored Mako shark, Oceanbotics deployed its professional-grade SRV-8X ROV. The vehicle was piloted down to a depth of 1,640 feet (500 meters) by ROV operator Ryan Gates using only a handheld controller and a laptop, demonstrating the system’s simplicity and effectiveness even in demanding underwater conditions.
The special features footage captured by the SRV-8X as it tracked and recorded Mako sharks in their natural environment. The SubNav OS software is seen in use, displaying sharks circling the ROV while the team monitors the feed in real time from a laptop-based control station, providing a detailed and immersive view of the underwater encounter.
The project underscores Oceanbotics’ commitment to developing highly maneuverable, easy-to-operate ROVs that enhance the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of underwater operations. When paired with SubNav OS software, the SRV-8X delivers a user experience that redefines ease of operation in the underwater ROV industry.
Black Mako of the Abyss is now available for streaming on HBO Max, Discovery+, and Prime Video.
