I. Project Background
Our Customer Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s independently developed ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) system plays a significant role in China’s underwater engineering and scientific research. To support its deep-sea exploration and operational missions, our company customized a high-performance intelligent umbilical cable and winch system, covering the entire process of power supply, communication, deployment, and recovery for the cable-controlled submersible. This system enhances the stability and intelligence of SJTU’s underwater robotic operations.
In 2024, the system successfully underwent sea trials, demonstrating excellent performance and reliability in real marine environments.
II. System Components and Functions Provided by Our Company
1. Umbilical Cable Assembly
- Electro-Optical Umbilical Cable (2500 m): Provides power transmission and high-speed data communication, connecting the shore base to the ROV;
- Load-Bearing Termination Assembly: Offers mechanical protection and bend tolerance at the cable-vehicle connection point;
- Underwater Opto-Electrical Separator: Separates optical and electrical signals underwater, improving system reliability;
- Deck Optical-Electric Cable Assembly: Facilitates signal and power transition on the deck.
2. Winch Assembly
- Winch Main Unit: Integrates an opto-electrical slip ring, junction box, and cable spooling system for cable deployment, retrieval, storage, and optical-electrical rotary transmission;
- Intelligent Control System: Supports local/wireless control, status monitoring, multiple protection features, and automatic spooling.
III. Key Features and Highlights of the Winch System
| Category | Specifications |
| Pull Force/Speed | Rated pull 50 kN, max speed 60 m/min, stepless speed control, min stable speed ≤5 m/min |
| Cable Specs | φ30±0.5 mm × 2500 m |
| Spooling Method | Right-angle spooling with triple redundancy (encoder sync / passive follow / manual emergency) |
| Smart Control | Real-time display of cable length/speed/tension, over-tension protection, temperature monitoring with freshwater spray cooling |
| Structural Design | Integrated frame structure with anti-jump device, detachable drum, 4m×2.4m×2.7m |
| Human-Machine Interface | Local + wireless control, remote monitoring and emergency stop interface reserved |
IV. Why Choose Us? — Technical Integration and Engineering Capabilities
This project demonstrates not only high load capacity, long cable deployment, and intelligent control, but also our extensive experience in the following areas:
- Redundancy and Reliability: Triple spooling modes + multiple electrical protections for high stability required in research scenarios;
- Environmental Adaptability: Features such as spray cooling, anti-jump mechanism, and temperature monitoring to tackle complex marine challenges;
- System Integration: Full in-house support from underwater separators to deck cables, mechanical structures to control software, providing a complete solution;
- Ergonomics Optimization: Wireless portable control and frame hoisting design enhance operability and mobility.
V. Partnering with SJTU, Advancing Blue Technology
Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a key player in China’s deep-sea equipment R&D. This collaboration represents high recognition of our technical integration capabilities, engineering quality, and responsive service. The successful sea trials in 2024 further validate the system’s reliability and operational readiness in challenging conditions. We remain committed to supporting universities and research institutions in exploring cutting-edge marine technologies, advancing domestic underwater robotics and intelligent winch systems toward deeper, farther, and smarter horizons.
