2023-12-07 11:15:17
Engineers have developed a sustainable boat powered by green hydrogen based on solar panels and accessible to people with reduced mobility, as well as a new prototype of an autonomous underwater vehicle with multiple applications in the marine environment.
Both advances are the work of a team from the company Marine Systems and Robotics SLNE with the participation of MARINEROB, Spin off belonging to the UPV spin program, of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV).
The boat is equipped with different technologies that allow maneuvering autonomously, semi-autonomously or remotely assisted. It also incorporates advanced systems based on artificial intelligence and augmented reality, which allow, in one of its versions, that people with mobility difficulties can use it autonomously and independently, with safety and reliability.
“The boat can receive remote assistance, meaning that, in any circumstance, you can take control from the outside and carry out all the necessary maneuvers,” highlights Javier Busquets Mataix, CEO of MARINEROB and researcher at the UPV.
Among its applications, it can be used for the study of marine protected areas, automated maritime traffic management, long-term operations in the marine environment, etc. In addition, it could also be used as a mother ship for the deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles, such as those also developed by MARINEROB.
The boat with green hydrogen propulsion from solar energy. (Photo: UPV)
“These vehicles can be used for multiple applications, such as monitoring natural spaces and detecting and tracking marine animals, but also for border surveillance, maritime traffic control, etc. They are vehicles that can remain submerged in the ocean for a long time and, if required, maneuver agilely to position themselves and be able to carry out operations of all kinds, adapted to what is required, both in immersion and on the surface,” highlights Javier Busquets. .
Currently, these vehicles can operate at a depth of 1500 meters. And the coastal version has been designed for 200 meters of depth, covering most of the continental shelf.
The autonomous underwater vehicle. (Photo: UPV)
Two of these models – one for an ocean shelf and another for great depth – are being used in the INTEMARES project, in which the UPV participates in several of its pilot projects, one of them focused on the validation of new innovative technologies for the study , monitoring and observation of marine protected areas.
Thanks to these developments, Marine Sytems and Robotics was awarded in the LLAMP 3i awards, awards that aim to give visibility to startups that, through their proposals and activity, generate a greater positive impact on society. The company promoted by Javier Busquets won third prize in the social impact innovation category. (Source: UPV)
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