Companion Computers for Sub

Underwater ROVs often employ a small companion computer, in addition to the ArduPilot autopilot to manage video cameras and sophisticated peripherals like SideScan Sonar as an adjunct to ArduPilot’s basic vehicle control and mission execution functions. Companion computers communicate with the autopilot over a fast link, often a UART, using MAVLink messages.

ArduPilot compatible companion computers are listed HERE.

Blue Robotics offers a highly functional, open source, companion computer firmware system that runs on a Raspberry Pi 3, 4, or 5 <https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/>`__ for vehicles called BlueOS.