Underwater robots that predict disruptive waves could lessen cost of offshore renewables

The researchers at Edinburgh University trialled their system at the institution’s FloWave testing tank, using wave data captured by a buoy in the North Sea to mimic the types of conditions robots might work in.

Wave-detecting devices are tethered to the seafloor and measure the direction and height of incoming waves, relaying the information in real-time to a robot working nearby. This enables the uncrewed machine to pre-empt complex future disturbances in the water, precisely counteracting these to maintain a stable position.

Findings indicate the system is compatible with robots operating near the surface and those working at greater depths.

The team said the new technology improves on conventional control systems that operate in a corrective fashion. These are prone to responding slowly to the fast-changing disturbances of the ocean, making them less reliable in such hazardous environments.

In a statement, Dr Kyle Walker, who developed the work as part of his PhD at Edinburgh University, said: “A major limitation at present is robots’ ability to perceive and counteract environmental disturbances effectively, which fundamentally restricts the current use of small subsea vehicles. By forming a prediction of future wave disturbances and integrating this within the control system, we're able to expand this range with little to no change to the robot hardware.