KAWIT, CAVITE, PHILIPPINES - January 27, 2011- Pobletech Inc., a Filipino start-up company composed of young engineers have developed a multi-functional underwater robot with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) through its TECHNICOM Program. Pobletech Inc., led by Mr. Michael Poblete, has transformed the original design of Roboteknik i100 that is capable of transmitting live video footage and recording data from underwater, into a multi-role underwater robot by developing four Enhanced Fluid Attachments that include:

• Gripper - a three-jaw arm capable of gripping up to 12cm diameter objects underwater
• Water Sampler - can take up to four samples of water from different locations
• Camera with scaling laser - can transmit live video footage, take photos and can determine the size of objects underwater
• Crawler - can stick to vertical walls of ships for ship hull inspection.

The new robot with the device attachments is now called Roboteknik [roVee] 2011. The Robot is also equipped with temperature sensors and compass and can dive up to a depth of 100 meters. It is connected by a tether to a control panel which can be controlled in the surface by an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) pilot. The Roboteknik 2011 can be used for different applications such as research and development, aquaculture, tourism like those who cannot dive may experience virtual diving using the robot, ship hull inspection, rescue operations, and marine life observation and monitoring. The Roboteknik 2011 is a lot more affordable compared to its counterparts, commercial dive missions and rental of larger underwater equipment. Furthermore, Pobletech can customize the robot according to the needs of its clients.

New Accessories: From left to right, Vacuum Crawler, 3-jaw gripper, 4-port water 

sampler, 1-port water sampler.