Families of Robotic Systems Solving Offshore Wind Inspection Challenges

The AROWIND Project focuses on revolutionizing subsea inspections and monitoring of offshore wind farms using compact and easily deployable ROVs and AUVs/UUVs. Traditional methods are costly and time-consuming, often involving hiring dive teams, but by leveraging emerging technologies, inspections become cost-effective, quicker, and safer. The project aims to develop a USV-based subsea inspection system, integrating visual sensors, acoustic positioning, and 3D modeling capabilities. The concept of "systems of systems" involves collaboration among various robotics technologies, such as USVs deploying ROVs, aerial drones, and AUVs for diverse surveillance and inspection tasks. The success relies on software and firmware compatibility, mechanical integration, and advancements in autonomy, 3D visualization, and machine vision. The application extends beyond wind farms to underwater sediment cleaning, where ROVs provide a swift and precise solution, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing effectiveness.