A crazy underwater drone just for fishing

PowerVision Technology Group, an established Chinese maker of cinematography drones, has just released a new AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) called PowerRay that teams a robot with a fishfinder, a virtual reality headset and a lure or bait in a snap release clip to revolutionise recreational fishing.

The PowerRay robot can apparently dive as deep as 30 metres underwater and, with the optional sonar system — which can also be used as a stand-alone device or float attached to your line — you can detect fish up to 40 metres away, making the total diving depth up to 70 metres, the manufacturer explains.

The internal Wi-Fi system allows transmission of images and data from the PowerRay Fishfinder to your on-board device. The Fishfinder also includes an internal fish-luring light with a blue hue.

Using the PowerRay Mobile App, you can view and capture real-time transmitted underwater photos and video from the integrated 4K UHD camera on any iOS or Android mobile device, in addition to receiving fish-identifying images, underwater data, and alerts.  

Now things get even more interesting...

Having found the fish, PowerRay now comes into play with an optional, remotely operated precision bait drop. Users can secure their bait(s) and lures to the PowerRay robot and deliver them to the desired targets.

PowerVision says you can then monitor and control the entire fishing experience through real-time viewing via its App or, for a more immersive experience, by using its optional VR Goggles to provide a thrilling underwater view using virtual reality technology.

The VR goggles are designed to also let you control the robot and interact with fish through a fun and engaging gaming-like experience. You can manipulate the robot under water via head tilting to control left turn, right turn, up, and down.

Presumably, this can be done with a lure out the back as you troll the underwater structure with the camera looking for a fish within the operating range of your boat.

That said, the 90m total 'scope' of this device isn't a big fishing range, you'd be hoping for a lot more than the small cod caught in the promo video by an angler who clearly doesn't know how to hold a rod, and we do wonder if the robot or AUV will be eaten by a much bigger cod. Or shark.

In the promo video below, the device appears tethered to the vessel with a control line and, the drone maker says, there are alarms for low battery.

"Recreational fishing is one of the lifestyle areas that has not seen major technology breakthroughs. By introducing PowerRay, PowerVision is completely changing the way we have been fishing in the past 7000 years," says Wally Zheng, CEO of the Technology Group.

"Through innovating the fish finding technology and features, providing the thrill of finding the catch and an immersive underwater experience through virtual reality, PowerRay is going to provide more efficiency, thrill, and fun to fishermen around the world," he said.

"Recreational fishing will never be the same again," claims Zheng.

PowerRay will be available for global pre-order starting on February 27, 2017. Pricing has not yet been released. Founded in 2009, PowerVision Technology Group says it comprises nearly 500 employees in China, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, and Finland. More at www.powervision.me/en/e