1989 – Shinkai 6500 Submersible – (Japanese)

1989 – Shinkai 6500 Submersible. In Japanese, shinkai means deep sea. Aptly named, the Shinkai 6500 (しんかい) is a manned research submersible that can dive up to a depth of 6,500 m. It was completed in 1989 and until 2012 it had the greatest depth range of any manned research vehicle in the world. The …

1981 – Shinkai 2000 Submersible – (Japanese)

Model of the Shinkai 2000 showing a single manipulator with 6 degrees of freedom. "SHINKAI 2000" is the first manned deep submergence research vehicle in Japan, with a maximum operating depth of 2000 m and a weight of 23t. The Vehicle was designed and constructed in Kobe Shipyard and Engine Works, MHI and was delivered to …

1971 – Hakuyo Submersible – (Japanese)

The Japanese Hakuyo Submersible was launched in 1971 and has one manipulator arm with five degrees of freedom. Image source: Manned Submersibles, Frank Bushby, 1976. See other early Underwater Robots here.

1972 – NEREID 330 Submersible – (Dutch)

Launched: 1972 Manipulators: Two; one is 15 ft. long and capable of 2,500 lb lift; the second is a smaller one attached to the longer arm which is used to perform delicate operations. Installed on starboard side near centre of buoyancy. Gripping force of the large claw is 6 tons. See other early Underwater Robots …

1968 – Shinkai HU06 Submersible – (Japanese)

The Maritime Safety Agency operates the underwater research vehicle (URV) HU06 Shinkai, with the support vessel Otome Maru. Built by Kawasaki Heavy industries. The Skinkai was commissioned in 1968. Press Photo: The Yen400 million survey submarine is expected to be completed by the Science and Technology Agency by December 1968. The [yet] unmaned vessel, now …