Its tools include video cameras, an underwater telephone, a computer/data display/recording system, sonar, sediment corers, temperature probes, a magnetometer, and more. Alvin has two, long clawed robotic arms that can manipulate instruments ranging from water samplers to temperature probes, and its basket can carry up to 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of tools and seafloor samples.

Although it is the world's oldest submersible, Alvin keeps up with the times and is state-of-the-art! A new robotic arm was just installed in 2006. Every three to five years, the sub is taken completely apart for a detailed inspection, right down to the last bolt.

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