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 …

1976 – MOB-1002 Submersible – (French)

MOB 1002 (Manipulation & Observation Bell 1002), built by Comex Industries, France, is a specially designed bell for underwater work. It has one manipulator with 6 degrees and one with 2 degrees of movement. It is also fitted with a lifting winch capable of lifting loads with a weight in water of up to 300 …

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.

1961 – Archimede Bathyscaphe – Pierre Willm and Georges Houot (French)

Manipulator is shown 6:50 into video clip. Archimède bathyscaphe. Some pics by Alain Houot. Text souce: Wiki The bathyscaphe Archimède is a deep diving research submersible of the French Navy. It used 42,000 US gallons (160,000 l) of hexane as the gasoline buoyancy of its float. It was designed by Pierre Willm and Georges Houot. …

1970c – ANTHRO ROV – Will Forman (American)

TV eye for underwater work A new device for underwater inspection work is Anthro, a remotely controlled submersible with a 20-inch-diameter plastic bubble for a hull. A television display and propulsion controls-on board ship or on dry land-are connected to the vehicle by an umbilical. Anthro's TV camera is electronically "slaved" to the operator's head. …