By Lars Raakilde Jespersen, Outreach, AAU Energy

The scientists from Aalborg University's Energy campus in Esbjerg are focused on algorithms, which makes the robot able to sense the surroundings and move on its own in even murky and dark waters. To do that, the team develops simulation models of the robot and marine environment, such as waves and currents. The simulation model is used for testing the algorithms, which control the robot, as are physical tests like in the video from the Port of Fredericia. The researchers also test ACOMAR on offshore installations and in the Drone and Robotics Laboratory, where they can imitate the murky waters. Data from the test is used to make analysis of the marine growth, which is important for the cleaning process. It makes quite a difference, whether the growth is hard, like clams, or soft, as algae and seaweed.

When fully developed, a robot like ACOMAR can be used for keeping offshore constructions as wind turbines, and oil and gas structures, clean.

Facts

ACOMAR is supported by EUDP. The program ends in late 2023.

The AAU Energy research group behind ACOMAR:

Associate Professor Simon Pedersen, Associate Professor Jesper Liniger, Postdoc Christian Mai, Research Assistant Malte von Benzon, Research Assistant Fredrik Fogh Sørensen, Assistant Professor Morten Eggert Nielsen, Associate Professor Zhenyu Yang and lab engineer Ole Marius Olsen.

The ACOMAR partners:

SubC Partners A/S (lead of the project), Mati2ilt, Sihm, TotalEnergies EP Denmark A/S, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and EIVA A/S.