Revolutionizing Underwater Inspections: ROVs to the Rescue!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is turning to cutting-edge underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to inspect America’s aging locks and dams—without halting vital shipping traffic or risking diver safety. Developed and tested by the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), these powerful, sensor-packed ROVs dive deep into murky waters, detect cracks, and diagnose issues with precision—saving time, money, and lives. Originally acquired for military use, ROVs are now transforming civil works by providing high-quality, real-time data, even in zero-visibility conditions. ERDC’s interdisciplinary team is leading the charge, turning off-the-shelf tech into a game-changing tool for infrastructure inspection and national resilience.