INDUSTRY & INNOVATION IN-DEPTH Offshore robotics
A new wave of offshore robotics
The offshore environment is recognised as one of the most hazardous and challenging places for humans to work. Harsh weather, unpredictable sea conditions and limited accessibility all contribute to a high-risk operating context. In the UK, there are more than 11,000 offshore wind assets, with thousands more planned by 2050 to support the transition to clean energy and meet legally binding net-zero targets. As the scale of offshore infrastructure continues to grow, so too does the need for efficient, safe and sustainable methods of inspection and maintenance.
To meet regulatory requirements, offshore energy companies must inspect and maintain these assets at least three times a year. Traditionally, this work is carried out by trained crews deployed on large support vessels. They are responsible for visually assessing, repairing, and servicing complex structures such as wind turbines, subsea cables, and oil and gas platforms. While effective, this approach is both resource-intensive and inherently risky.
Operating in such extreme environments does not only pose significant risks to safety, it comes at substantial financial and environmental cost. Maintenance can account for as much as 30% of offshore wind farm operating expenses, due to vessel fuel consumption, staffing requirements and logistical complexities. As the UK accelerates efforts to expand offshore wind capacity, this approach is increasingly recognised as unsustainable, from a cost perspective and also in terms of emissions and scalability.
To address these challenges, researchers at The National Robotarium partnered with Fugro, a global leader in geo-data solutions, to deliver the UNITE (Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies) project. The project set out to develop advanced autonomous systems capable of performing inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks underwater. Central to this initiative is the development of electric remotely operated vehicles (eROVs), designed to provide a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
Since its launch in 2023, UNITE has made significant progress in advancing perception-enabled, risk-aware underwater robotic technologies. Early-stage trials took place in at Heriot-Watt University’s Ocean Systems Lab in Edinburgh, where researchers tested the performance in a controlled industrial wave tank. These tests focused on key operational parameters such as speed, navigation accuracy, and data transmission reliability, under simulated offshore conditions.
UNITE positions Scotland, and the wider UK, as global leaders in the multi-billion-pound marine robotics sector.
An ROV being lowered into water at testing facility.
Surface vessel and autonomous underwater robot undergoing trials in Heriot-Watt University's wave tank facility.
Maintenance can account for as much as 30% of offshore wind farm operating expenses, due to vessel fuel consumption, staffing requirements and logistical complexities.
A second phase of trials demonstrated considerable advancements in robotic perception and navigation. Using cutting-edge machine vision systems, the eROVs were able to generate detailed 3D maps of underwater environments and transmit real-time data, even in low-visibility conditions that would typically be hazardous or inaccessible to divers. This capability represents a major step in enabling autonomous systems to operate effectively in complex subsea environments.
In addition to individual vehicle performance, the project also explored coordinated operations between multiple robotic systems. Trials demonstrated how tethered surface and subsea vehicles could work in sync, adapting to environmental obstacles, dynamically repositioning themselves, and even swapping roles to maintain optimal inspection coverage.
A key innovation of the UNITE project lies in enhancing robots’ ability to understand and interpret their surroundings. By integrating advanced perception technologies, the system can identify, classify, and label critical components such as valves, pipes, and sacrificial anodes - metals intentionally adhered to structures to take the brunt of rust and corrosion. This enables a more intelligent and comprehensive approach to asset inspection, allowing operators to detect issues earlier and make more informed decisions.
These highly advanced robotic solutions offer a compelling alternative to conventional inspection methods. They significantly reduce the need for human intervention in hazardous conditions and also improve operational efficiency and present new opportunities for skilled roles in robotics, including pilots, operators and data analysts. As the sector evolves, these technologies will help reshape the offshore workforce, shifting the focus from manual labour to high-tech operations and oversight.
Deployed at scale, the impact of this technology could be transformative. It is estimated that eROVs could reduce fuel consumption by up to 97%, lowering usage from approximately 7,000 litres per day to just 200 litres; not only delivering substantial cost savings but also significantly cutting carbon emissions, supporting environmental and sustainability goals.
These advancements pave the way for more frequent, cost-effective and environmentally responsible monitoring of offshore assets. Improved inspection capabilities can help extend the operational lifespan of infrastructure, reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures, and minimise the risk of environmental damage caused by leaks or structural issues.
While the immediate focus of UNITE is offshore wind, the applications of autonomous underwater vehicles extend far beyond. The same technologies can be applied to oil and gas infrastructure, subsea pipelines, and decommissioning projects, offering a versatile solution across the wider marine energy industry.
Ultimately, UNITE provides a clear blueprint for universities working with industry, to advance large-scale adoption of marine robotics in offshore operations. By driving innovation and reducing reliance on traditional methods, the project has the potential to transform how offshore assets are managed. It also positions Scotland, and the wider UK, as global leaders in the multi-billion-pound marine robotics sector.
It is estimated that eROVs could reduce fuel consumption by up to
UNITE was supported by £1.4 million in funding from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
