The ROV is named for Odysseus, protagonist of the Odyssey, and its maximum rated depth, 6,000 m (20,000 ft), measured as metre sea water.

The ROV is launched and recovered using an A-frame crane designed by Hydramec, and is connected to the host through 7,500 m (24,600 ft) of umbilical from Fibron.

[4][5][1] The ROV has multiple payload skids that mount to the bottom of the vehicle and are built for specific operations, primarily scientific research, and can include suction and D-samplers.

[9] Initial testing of the H6500 configuration failed several functional benchmarks, and Pelagic ceased working with DOER Marine.

Pelagic redesigned and built in collaboration with MPH Engineering a new, single-body ROV system that began sea trials in 2016.