Case Study: SeaBotix, Inc. achieves a 50% faster design cycle and launches the first lightweight production ROV with SolidWorks

Designing breakthrough remote-controlled submersible vehicles with SolidWorks software

SeaBotix, Inc. designs and manufactures lightweight, low-cost remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and needed modern 3D design tools to turn its Little Benthic Vehicle (LBV) concept into a production product. After evaluating multiple systems, SeaBotix selected SolidWorks (including SolidWorks Simulation, eDrawings and PhotoWorks) to overcome delays and tooling issues inherent in 2D CAD and to meet tight packaging, mechanical and aesthetic requirements for a deep‑water ROV.

Using SolidWorks’ integrated 3D CAD, simulation and eDrawings workflow, SeaBotix cut the LBV design cycle by 50% (from about two years to under 12 months), minimized costly tooling modifications by fully validating designs, ran stress and thermal analyses to certify pressure vessels to 2,190 psi (1,500 m) and executed 100+ remote design iterations. SolidWorks’ tools enabled the team to introduce the first full‑production, lightweight submersible ROV and reuse the validated process for deeper‑rated versions.

Seabotix, Inc

Jeff Krause

Industrial Design Consultant