The submersible is capable of using sonar to locate objects as small as a grain of rice and can cover an area of around 100 square kilometers a day.
Manned deep dives were also carried out for the underwater identification and extraction of relics after the unmanned submersible located possible relic sites.
After the excavation of the 66 relics, researchers have continued carrying out further investigations using technologies such as image data extraction and three-dimensional laser scanning.
“A complete work flow for deep sea archaeological investigations has been established,” Deng Qijiang, deputy director of the Institute of Underwater Archaeology of State Administration of Cultural Heritage, told media.
As the ancient Maritime Silk Road passed through its waters, the South China Sea holds an abundance of historical treasures beneath its surface.