Please see Google images for "זרוע רובוטית"
http://www.google.co.il/search?q="זרוע רובוטית"&hl=iw&prmd=i...

and for robotic manipulators
http://www.google.co.il/search?q=robotic manipulators&hl=iw&...

I don't think the Academy term is in popular use.

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Note added at 51 mins (2011-12-10 16:07:06 GMT)
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Please also see following explanation in the Wikipedia:
In robotics a manipulator is a device used to manipulate materials without direct contact. The applications were originally for dealing with radioactive or biohazardous materials, using robotic arms, or they were used in inaccessible places. In more recent developments they have been used in applications such as robotically-assisted surgery and in space. It is an arm-like mechanism that consists of a series of segments, usually sliding or jointed, which grasp and move objects with a number of degrees of freedom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipulator

and what the company producing such devices has to say about it:
ISE was formed in 1974 to design and build underwater vehicles. Based just outside Vancouver, Canada, ISE has delivered more than 240 vehicles and over 400 robotic manipulators to more than 20 countries around the world.

The Explorer family of AUVs was introduced in 2003 and follows previous ISE AUVs including ARCS and Theseus. Explorer is a modular vehicle that can be configured for commercial, scientific or military customers. It can carry a wide range of sensors and has endurance options ranging from 12 to 85 hours. It has developed a reputation as a reliable, stable and flexible sensor platform and in total, ISE AUVs have completed more than 120,000 kilometres of surveys.

http://www.ocean-news.com/the-news/1038-fukada-salvage-order...

By the way, it's the same link I mentioned in connection with the ramp,
regarding which, the following info is given:
ISE Ltd. is pleased to announce that Fukada Salvage and Marine Works Co. Ltd. has placed an order for an Explorer autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
The Fukada Explorer will also be supplied with a light-weight self-articulating ramp based launch and recovery system which will be installed on one of their survey ships, the Shinkai Maru. This will enable Fukada Salvage to launch and recover their AUV up to Sea State 4.

You can find in the same link the company's contact details, and it may be a good idea to email them and ask about the ramp.