What is the KeelCrab?

A revolution in hull maintenance

THE KEELCRAB is the first of the new generation of submarine robots entirely designed and manufactured in Italy (100% made in Italy) to perform robotic cleaning, maintenance and hull inspection activities.

Characterized by a plastic exoskeleton with a neutral hydrostatic buoyancy, it maintains perfect adherence to the hull thanks to an important suction effect generated by a powerful marinised pump motor, removing and sucking up algae or vegetation that typically form on the living workings of boats during periods of docking in closed waters.

The robot’s movement is ensured by natural rubber or P.V.A. brushes driven by tracks that allow easy maneuvering in all directions, on any surface and making the drone adept at overcoming obstacles.

The high-resolution underwater camera allows the robot to be maneuvered by means of a wired remote control displaying the video stream on a 7-inch display, tablet or phone (optional) in high resolution.

The Keelcrab  is also equipped with the Diver pack, the kit for using it in “manual control” mode while diving.

In terms of cleaning capacity, the drone is equipped with counter-rotating cushioned disc brushes (15mm excursion/adaptation to the surface) driven by a dedicated waterproof motor with variable bristles (nylon & stainless steel) to guarantee the best cleaning capacity, interchangeable according to abrasion requirements. These A.N.C.C.P. certified brushes do not remove antifouling paints but rather extend their effect and life over time.

Numerous tests have shown that the constant removal of the first layer of vegetation (3/5 mm) causes a drastic extension of the useful life of the antifouling (which returns to direct contact with the water), which translates into a great slowdown in the formation of “dog teeth” (barnacles) in the medium term, reduced fuel consumption (and related emissions) and maintenance of top sailing performance (thanks to less friction of the hull on the water)..