Practical implementation of robotic technologies for the inspection of ships

The ROBINS project aims at filling the technology and regulatory gaps that today still represent a barrier to the adoption of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) in activities related to inspection of ships, starting from understanding end user’s actual needs and expectations and analyzing how existing or near-future technology can meet them. -Robotics technology: Improve the ability of RAS in sensing and probing; Improve capabilities in navigation and localization in confined spaces, access to and mobility within the environment; Improve safety and dependability of RAS in hazardous, harsh and dirty environments; Provide new tools for image and data processing (3D models, VR/AR environments); Provide the same level of information as obtained by direct human observation for the assessment of inspected structures. -Rules and Regulations: Provide a framework for the assessment of equivalence between the outcomes of RAS-assisted inspections and traditional inspection procedures; Define criteria, testing procedures and metrics for the evaluation of RAS performance; Design, implement and assess a testing environment where repeatable tests and measurements of RAS performance can be carried out; Improve confidence in technology capabilities by means of test campaigns to be performed both in the testing facilities and onboard. The expected impact can be summarized as follows: Wide scale adoption of RAS technology in marine industry Improved safety in ship surveys Economic advantages new supply chain and new potential markets particularly beneficial for SMEs; new services and products for data processing and knowledge management; reduction of costs related to inspection activities; improvement in the quality and variety of inspection services; new certification schemes for equipment, operators and procedures.