Autonomous underwater swarm robotics

Industry context

The overall objective of this project was to develop compact and affordable autonomous underwater drones with swarm capabilities, available for rapid deployment on and around offshore assets. This significantly augments affordability and reaction time to subsea inspection and monitoring scopes across the UK Central North Sea.

Project overview

The final technology product (EXRAY) that was developed is a portable, semi-autonomous, tetherless, underwater drone with high-speed optical communication system, wireless docking, and ability to perform ultrasonic thickness measurement survey alongside close and general visual surveys. ​

​The developed drone is highly agile with six degrees of freedom and a unique thruster technology to allow for precise control and movement.​

​Under the project, a compact, versatile inspection robotic solution has been developed that can effortlessly navigate in confined spaces on offshore sites such as FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) and significantly reduce the risks of the robot being lost due to tether-management issues in such complex spaces as ballast water tanks on FPSOs. ​

​A critical part of the project was the development of the modular multi-receiver LUMA™ optical system to enable real-time HD video streaming wirelessly as well as command/control without any tether attached. The resulting system EXRAY™, is a unique portable inspection robot that can be controlled wirelessly by a pilot using Hydromea’s proprietary high-speed wireless communication system (LUMA™).​

Outcome

Successful field trial with a complete EXRAY system

Can work safely in confined spaces

Drones work in collaboration with communication and data transfer between the drones is achieved wirelessly

Successful field trial with a complete EXRAY system

Can work safely in confined spaces

Drones work in collaboration with communication and data transfer between the drones is achieved wirelessly