New Scuba Diving Technology: Shaping the Future of Diving

The new scuba diving technology can be compared to the advanced mechanics in Formula 1.

In 1976, engineer Gordon Murray adapted brakes designed for the Concorde (yes, the supersonic airplane) for a single-seater. The South African engineer transformed the Brabham-BT49, driven by Brazilian Nelson Piquet, into the first car to use carbon-ceramic brakes. Today, carbon-ceramic brakes can be found in a wide range of cars, from luxury sports cars to high-performance SUVs.

In racing, innovation is the engine driving speed and perfection; in scuba diving, it drives exploration and safety. Today, we discuss new diving technologies to foresee the future of the sport we love.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) Applied to Diving

AI in autonomous diving is constantly evolving. New research and advancements are being made every day, opening up a world of exciting possibilities. AI is here to revolutionize the world, and diving will not be left behind. It already adds extra doses of safety, efficiency, and fun to our dives. Artificial intelligence combined with the Internet of Things are technologies that can assist in various areas of autonomous diving, such as the detection and classification of underwater objects.

Data Analysis in Diving

AI can analyze data collected during dives to identify patterns and trends that might go unnoticed. IoUT is a network of intelligent devices that can exchange data underwater, including drones, sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and even the divers’ own dive computers. This network can monitor water temperature, currents, pollution levels, and marine life, contributing to our understanding of ocean health. But it also allows for optimizing diver rest times, predicting and preventing risky situations, and improving overall safety.

Thanks to computer vision, the Internet of Things, and machine learning, AI can identify fish, corals, sunken ships… anything! We can foresee that the future will be like having an expert guide by your side, ready to share the secrets of the marine ecosystem with you.

Error-Free Navigation with New Diving Technologies

Afraid of getting lost? With AI scuba diving technology, that will be a thing of the past! Intelligent algorithms analyze compass, sonar, and GPS data to ensure you follow your route precisely, avoiding obstacles and finding your way back without problems.

Informed Decisions in Real-Time

AI becomes your underwater guardian angel, monitoring everything around you. It analyzes depth, temperature, pressure… and alerts you if it detects any changes that could jeopardize your safety. It will give you advice and recommendations to ensure you enjoy a safe and pleasant dive.

What More Can We Expect from AI Applied to Autonomous Diving?

Predicting changes in currents? Knowing marine life behavior in advance? Creating real-time 3D underwater maps?

A Real Example?

In the Chilean salmon industry, divers work 4 hours daily. AI, with pressure sensors and intelligent algorithms, monitors their dives and tells them when to rest, how to ascend, and when to make decompression stops.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Applied to Scuba Diving

Can you imagine diving with a visor that displays real-time information about your dive by overlaying it? It’s no longer science fiction! These new scuba technologies applied to autonomous diving could bring about a whole new revolution.

What Does This Technological Future Hold for Us?

Information At a Glance

For instance, the Diveroid app uses a smartphone to show diving information overlaid on the real view and offers the functions of a dive computer, compass, and camera in any housing.

Another example of AR application in diving is the Diver Augmented Vision Display (DAVD) visor, which attaches to the diving helmet and shows photos, videos, diagrams, and relevant data about the underwater environment. This allows the diver to access additional information without needing to look at a separate instrument, which can improve concentration and reduce the risk of accidents. However, this scuba diving technology is currently only used in commercial diving.

We can easily imagine that in the future, AR will show vital data like depth, dive time, or oxygen level… superimposed on your view thanks to the mask!

Dive Training Without Getting Wet

VR will allow you to practice skills like navigation or emergency handling in a safe virtual environment. Perfect for before you dive into the real water!

Inclusive Diving for Everyone

People with physical or geographical limitations will be able to immerse themselves in virtual underwater worlds and enjoy the ocean’s beauty without leaving home.

There are also VR scuba diving technology applications adapted for people with physical disabilities, such as Walkin VR, which allows controlling the virtual environment so that people with disabilities can experience diving in the virtual setting.

There are still obstacles for this to become a reality: devices can be bulky, uncomfortable, or fail underwater. Additionally, the price of these systems is still high. But the future is promising: technologies are advancing and becoming cheaper, so AR and VR in diving are destined to grow.

3. Underwater Robotics: The Future of Commercial Diving

Imagine an army of robots traversing the depths, exploring sunken wrecks, collecting samples impossible for a human to reach… This is the future of commercial diving!

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) do all the heavy and dangerous work that would typically pose a risk to divers. These devices handle inspections and stressful tasks without commercial divers having to expose themselves. Companies like Randal Systems are at the forefront, creating specialized ROVs that clean ship hulls and other submerged structures.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are another impressive advancement. These smart devices can perform military operations, oceanographic research, and inspection tasks without constant human supervision.

And that’s not all. Permanent underwater docking stations for these ROVs and AUVs are being developed. These stations can house the robots for long periods, meaning fewer support vessels are needed, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Blue Logic is already testing prototypes of these stations, bringing us a step closer to the future.

In summary, this scuba diving technology is changing the rules of commercial diving.

4. Advanced Materials for Scuba Diving Gear

Now it’s time to talk about the scuba diving technology applied to advanced materials and gear.

Carbon Nanotubes

Let’s start with tiny cylinders made of carbon, carbon nanotubes (CNT). They have diameters ranging from 0.8 nm to over 100 nm. Without delving into technical matters, we’ll say that these nanotubes are super-strong, flexible, and excellent conductors of heat and electricity.

Exceptional Strength and Hardness: They can withstand impacts and stresses without breaking.

Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Perfect for equipment that needs to heat up or transmit signals.

Lightweight: They weigh little but can bear a lot. How about making tanks lighter?

Stability: They don’t corrode or deteriorate easily.

How could they improve your scuba diving gear? How about more comfortable suits that keep you warm or tools that don’t rust?

Metal Foams

Metal foams are materials full of holes, like a metallic Swiss cheese. Although they are not directly used in your scuba diving equipment, they have great potential in support and protection structures.

High Conductivity: Both thermal and electrical.

Corrosion Resistance: Perfect for marine environments.

How could they be applied? In the manufacture of lightweight diving tanks and air cylinders, as light as feathers, protection of electronic equipment.

Although you won’t see metal foams in your diving suit for now, their use in underwater engineering could significantly improve infrastructure related to professional and scientific diving.

Advanced Composite Materials

Finally, let’s talk about advanced composite materials, such as carbon fiber and polymeric resins. These materials are transforming scuba diving equipment, making it lighter and stronger. Here are some of their benefits:

Greater Strength and Durability: Equipment that lasts longer and withstands more.

Lightweight: Less weight means more comfort and ease of movement.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation: Keep the heat in and block out the noise.

Ergonomic Designs: Equipment that better adapts to your body.

Some things that are already a reality are seen in:

Advanced Buoyancy Control Devices and Wetsuits

Modern suits are designed to protect divers from the aquatic environment and temperature fluctuations, offering enhanced diving experiences.

There are already suits with infrared thermal technology to keep divers warm at their core and head, even in cold waters, without the bulk of traditional suits.

Ecological Diving Equipment

Several companies are developing more sustainable diving equipment, such as wetsuits made from natural rubber or recycled plastic, and fins and masks produced with biodegradable materials. This shift towards ecological equipment not only helps to conserve the marine environment but also sends a strong message about the diving community’s commitment to sustainability.

Bionic Fins

Bionic fins, inspired by the aerodynamic movements of marine creatures, are gaining popularity among divers. These high-tech fins incorporate advanced materials such as carbon fiber and titanium to provide greater propulsion, reduce resistance, and improve maneuverability. Divers can now effortlessly glide through the water, conserving energy and enjoying longer dives.

In conclusion, new scuba diving technology is transforming it, making it safer, more accessible, and more exciting. AI, robotics, advanced materials, and other innovations are opening up a new world of possibilities for exploring the depths of the sea. And you, do you know of any others? Share them with us on Facebook.