Revolutionizing Maritime Inspections: Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and the Amphibian UWILD Project
The maritime industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) at the forefront. The OSC is participating in a $940K project to develop the Amphibian UWILD Remote Robotic Platform, a game-changer for ship hull inspection and maintenance. This initiative highlights the relevance of
advanced robotics in enhancing safety, speed, and accuracy in maritime services.
The Amphibian UWILD Project: An Overview
The Amphibian UWILD project aims to revolutionize underwater inspection in lieu of dry-docking (UWILD) by introducing a remote robotic platform. This innovative solution is expected to:
- Increase the speed and accuracy of ship hull inspections.
- Reduce risks associated with diving crews.
- Enhance predictive maintenance capabilities.
Key Players and Collaborations
The project is led by Marine Thinking, based in Halifax, NS, in partnership with Innvotek and Innovate UK, both located in London, England. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $330,560, with the remaining funding coming from the project partners.
Innovations in Hull Inspection and Cleaning
The Amphibian UWILD robot is designed to perform hull cleaning and inspections over large areas, operating both above and below the waterline. Its capabilities include:
- Accessing confined spaces that are difficult for divers.
- Pinpointing the location of defects.
- Providing comprehensive data for accurate predictive maintenance analysis.
Marine Thinking’s Launch and Recovery System (LARS)
Marine Thinking is developing a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for Innvotek’s Amphibian UWILD solution. This system will feature remote control capabilities, ensuring efficient and safe deployment and retrieval of the Amphibian robot.
Conclusion
The Amphibian UWILD Remote Robotic Platform project, backed by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, represents a significant leap forward in maritime inspection and maintenance. By leveraging advanced robotics, this initiative promises to enhance safety, efficiency, and predictive maintenance in the maritime industry.
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