Inspecting structures underwater is slow and dangerous for human divers. Remotely operated and increasingly autonomous underwater robots carry cameras and sensors to examine ship hulls, dam walls, offshore platforms and pipelines, sending back detailed views from depths and conditions that are hard for people to reach.
These machines can work longer than a diver and record consistent data on a schedule, spotting cracks, corrosion or blockages early. Murky water, strong currents and limited communication underwater remain challenges, so many still rely on a human operator, but they are steadily taking on the most hazardous and repetitive underwater inspection work.