THE National Robotarium is supporting the development of new AI and control systems that could allow underwater robots to operate autonomously in turbulent seas, potentially ‘revolutionising’ maintenance and repair tasks for offshore wind turbines.
The technology is undergoing trials as part of the UNITE project, an EPSRC Prosperity Partnership programme led by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with Imperial College London, geo-data specialist Fugro and underwater software development expert Frontier Robotics, and supported by the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and AI.
The project’s technological advancements could reduce the need for large maintenance vessels in offshore wind farm operations, supporting a shift towards fully remote operations and enhancing safety by reducing the need for personnel to work in hazardous environments.
David Morrison, project manager at the National Robotarium, said, “Our trials are showing promising results in enabling underwater robots to maintain stable contact with offshore structures in challenging conditions. If successful, the technology could transform offshore wind maintenance, potentially reducing fuel consumption of maintenance missions by up to 97% – from 7,000 litres per day to just 200 litres. This could significantly lower both operational costs and the carbon footprint of maintenance.”
Yvan Petillot, professor of robotics at Heriot Watt University and National Robotarium academic co-lead, added, “The UNITE project was co-created with Fugro to develop the next generation of autonomy-enabled robotics solutions for offshore inspection and maintenance. We are especially interested in subsea inspection and manipulation in dynamic environments where existing solutions cannot be used.”
It is hoped that autonomous underwater robots could perform a range of maintenance tasks on offshore wind turbines, including taking precise measurements, conducting visual inspections, cleaning structures, and repairing defects.
To achieve this level of autonomous operation, the project aims to solve the ‘chicken head problem’ – keeping a robot’s arm or tool steady against a structure despite being buffeted by currents and waves. Advanced control systems and machine learning algorithms are being developed to allow robots to adapt in real-time to changing conditions.
The project is also advancing 3D semantic mapping capabilities, enabling robots to create detailed maps of their underwater environment. This could enhance their ability to navigate complex structures and identify components needing attention.
Mark Bruce, global product manager of next generation ROV systems at Fugro, stated, “After a career working in harsh offshore environments, I’m proud of what Fugro has achieved. Our USVs and eROV’s deliver unmatched efficiency, hugely reduced environmental impact, and most importantly they eliminate human risk offshore by removing people from harm’s way.”
Frontier Robotics, a Heriot-Watt University spinout based at the National Robotarium, is providing perception, mapping and autonomy technologies for the project.
The £1.4 million Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) project is funded through an EPSRC Prosperity Partnership, part of UK Research and Innovation.
