Our manipulator will be located on the lower left side of the
front of our vehicle. It will consist of three joint that can rotate 90
degrees, 110 degrees, and 120 degrees moving from the "hand" of the
manipulator to its base. The manipulator's "hand will be capable of
revolving 360 degrees and it will also be able to revolve right above the
second joint. The total length of the arm when it is fully extended will
be 1.5 meters and, at full extension, it will be capable of lifting 45
kilograms under water. The "hand" of the manipulator will have two pairs
of "fingers" with the ability to clasp different tools. The tools used
will vary each mission. Each tool will have a T-shaped handle that the
manipulator can clasp. (See diagram.)
The controls for the robot arm will be located on a flip down panel on the
right side of the left crew seat. There will be five mini joysticks to
control the manipulator. Three will be oriented vertically and will
control the three rotating joints of the manipulator. The other two will
be oriented horizontally and will control the two revolving parts of the
robot arm.