Robosys Automation Secures Grant Funding for Collaborative Autonomy Project

By: Robosys Automation

Advanced maritime autonomy developer, Robosys Automation, in collaboration with USV manufacturer ACUA Ocean and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (OREC), has successfully secured grant funding through Innovate UK for a specialized project focusing on Collaborative Autonomy in USVs and ROVs within Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) operations.

The project, known as Collaborative Automations for Subsea Intervention (C.A.S.I), led by Robosys Automation, aims to address the growing market demand for enhancing operation and maintenance (O&M) and inspections of offshore assets using smarter, zero-emission, collaborative USV-ROV technologies.

Robosys Automation will oversee two key work packages within the project. The first package will focus on Multiple Objective Autonomous Adaptive Path Optimization, with a specific emphasis on weather routing and fuel consumption optimization for both traditional fuels and hydrogen. The second package involves designing software architecture and simulating Collaborative Autonomy between Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), as well as developing software algorithms for station keeping and obstacle avoidance in uncharted offshore wind farms.

The global asset integrity management market is projected to grow significantly, with the demand for subsea intervention vessels expected to rise in the coming years. The project aims to advance dual-use operations in various sectors, including offshore energy, marine science, and critical infrastructure monitoring, to enhance productivity, profitability, safety, and sustainability through innovative technologies.

Nigel Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Robosys Automation, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We are delighted to have been awarded this significant funding and look forward to collaborating with our partners to advance the maritime autonomy sector. This project underscores the importance of research and development in supporting operational efficiency, safety at sea, and decarbonization.”

The MASS Collaborative Autonomy Project is expected to reveal its findings in Spring 2025, showcasing the advancements and capabilities achieved through the collaborative efforts of Robosys Automation, ACUA Ocean, and OREC.

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