Launch of Underwater Positioning USBL and DVL Systems | Integration and Customization Services for Underwater Drones Now Available

Chick Co., Ltd. (Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture) will begin distributing underwater positioning systems manufactured by Cerulean Sonar (USA; location to be confirmed prior to release)—USBL 'ROVL Mark V', 'Omnitrack', and DVL 'Tracker 650'—starting June 12, 2026. Alongside existing products such as the imaging sonar 'Omniscan 450' and multibeam echosounder 'Surveyor 240-16', the company will provide comprehensive services including integration, configuration, customization, operation training, and post-deployment repair and maintenance for underwater drones 'BlueROV2' and surface drones 'BlueBoat'. Pricing and delivery times are available upon request.

Overview

Commencement of distribution for Cerulean Sonar's underwater positioning systems (USBL 'ROVL Mark V', 'Omnitrack', DVL 'Tracker 650')

Combined with currently distributed sonar systems (imaging sonar 'Omniscan 450 FS', sidescan sonar 'Omniscan 450 SS', multibeam echosounder 'Surveyor 240-16'), customers can now consult a single point of contact for both sonar and positioning equipment selection

Full support from device integration and network/software configuration to customization based on application, operation training, and post-installation repair and maintenance for BlueROV2 and BlueBoat

Background

In underwater environments, GNSS signals (e.g., GPS) do not reach, so specialized equipment such as acoustic positioning systems (USBL) and Doppler Velocity Logs (DVL), which measure a vehicle's speed relative to the seabed, are used to track the position of underwater drones (ROVs). In underwater surveys and inspections at ports, dams, and fish farms, there are situations where recorded data from imaging and measurements must be associated with positional information.

However, introducing such equipment requires separate processes for device selection, vehicle integration, network and software configuration, and operator training. Chick supports customers from deployment to operational launch by offering not only equipment sales but also integration, setup, training, and maintenance as a bundled service.

Newly introduced products (underwater positioning systems)

ROVL Mark V (USBL, transceiver set): An acoustic positioning system that synchronizes timing between the surface receiver and underwater transponder via the vehicle's Ethernet network. It reduces clock drift compared to conventional GNSS time-synchronization and acoustic synchronization models, achieving update rates of 1–5 Hz (manufacturer-published values). Compatible with BlueOS-equipped vehicles and integrable with MAVLink-based navigation systems.

Omnitrack (USBL, ring-buoy type surface module): Combines ROV locator technology with dual GNSS receivers to obtain underwater target positions in Earth coordinates. Dual GNSS avoids magnetic interference during heading determination. Maximum depth: 300 m, maximum communication distance: 300 m, update rate: 1 Hz (manufacturer-published values). Available in both wired (PoE tether) and wireless configurations.

Tracker 650 (DVL): Provides velocity data required for position holding and tracking to the vehicle's control system. Compatible with BlueOS, ArduSub, and MAVLink2REST-equipped vehicles. Configuration and monitoring are supported via the 'SonarView' software.

Related products currently distributed (Cerulean Sonar)

Omniscan 450 FS: Imaging sonar / Omniscan 450 SS: Sidescan sonar

Surveyor 240-16: Multibeam echosounder (compatible with BlueBoat integration)

All products are compatible with visualization and configuration software 'SonarView' (manufacturer-published)

Integration and customization service details

Equipment consultation: Proposal of sonar and positioning equipment configurations based on application, vehicle type, and budget

Vehicle integration: Mounting, wiring, network configuration, and software setup (BlueOS / ArduSub / QGroundControl / SonarView) for BlueROV2 and BlueBoat

Customization: Custom solutions for mounting, power, and communication configurations based on application

Operation training and maintenance: Operational training at deployment and post-installation repair and maintenance

Main specifications (manufacturer-published values)

Product

Key published values

ROVL Mark V

Update rate: 1–5 Hz / Time synchronization via vehicle Ethernet / Included: Transmitter, receiver, hose clamp mount, bracket

Omnitrack

Maximum depth: 300 m / Maximum communication distance: 300 m / Update rate: 1 Hz / Two configurations: Wired (PoE tether) and wireless

Tracker 650

Maximum pressure rating: 300 m / Maximum operating altitude: 25–50 m* / Minimum operating altitude: 50 cm / Maximum operating speed: 5 kt / Operating angle: 0–20° from vertical / Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps

*Maximum operating altitude varies depending on sensor head tilt, surface hardness, vegetation, salinity, and other conditions (manufacturer note: approximately 50 m on hard seabed, less than 30 m on muddy lakebeds). Source: Cerulean Sonar product page (accessed 2026-07-11). Specifications subject to change without notice.

Field verification in our test environment (real-world validation of acoustic USBL positioning)

Chick conducted real-world validation using Cerulean Sonar's acoustic USBL positioning systems and the 'BlueROV2' underwater drone at the test pool of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) Naraha Remote Technology Development Center.

The following behaviors were confirmed during the test:

Device connection was established quickly, and the underwater drone (BlueROV2) position was displayed on the PC screen.

When the vehicle was visually moved approximately 1 m, the displayed position on screen moved by a similar distance.

In pool environments where acoustic reflections are likely, position display may become unstable (large jumps), but no significant instability was observed in this test, resulting in stable position display.

*Note: This content reflects observed behavior during Chick's real-world validation in a specific test environment (test pool) and does not guarantee or quantify positioning performance or accuracy. Positioning behavior may vary due to water quality, salinity, structures, acoustic reflections (multipath), and other conditions. It does not guarantee identical results in all environments. For surveys and measurements in actual sea areas, confirmation with water area managers and stakeholders, as well as safety measures, may be required.

Learn more

Related links

ROVL Mark V and Omnitrack introduction: https://www.rov-fun.com/rovl-mark-v-omnitrack/ Tracker 650 product page: https://www.rov-fun.com/tracker-650/ Omniscan 450 FS: https://www.rov-fun.com/cerulean-omniscan-450-fs-imaging-