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 …
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.
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. …
Project initiated in 1965 headed by Willis "Will" R. Forman (seen lying down in the above image). Launched in September 1971. A single mechanical arm with only three degrees of freedom and claw gripper. See Deep-View – 23:40 into the clip. "That's a 44 1/2 -inch-diameter glass hemisphere streamlining the bow of the Navy's latest …