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Robot with Tentacles Developed in the United Kingdom and Brazil Promises to Reduce Risks, Cut Costs, and Revolutionize Underwater Inspections in Offshore Structures.
A new underwater robot resembling a snake with flexible tentacles promises to revolutionize inspection and maintenance operations in offshore environments. Designed to tackle risky tasks currently reliant on divers and large vessels, the equipment combines technological innovation with safety.
Technology Developed in Partnership
The 1-meter-long robot was developed by the National Robotarium in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with Senai Cimatec in Brazil. Its flexible design, inspired by tentacles, allows adaptation to the complex shapes of underwater structures.
The proposal aims to overcome the limitations of rigid robotic arms by providing greater precision and efficiency in unpredictable scenarios. Additionally, it can cut costs, reduce risks, and extend the lifespan of offshore energy assets.
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Facing Offshore Challenges
Underwater infrastructures extend for millions of kilometers, reaching depths of 3,900 meters. Pipelines and equipment require regular inspections to maintain operational safety.
Failures in these structures can cost billions. With decommissioning expenses projected to exceed US$ 100 billion by 2030, prolonging the use of existing assets has become a priority.
The new robot offers an innovative solution. Its tendon-like cable system ensures precise movements, while embedded sensors monitor position and shape even in rough waters. Therefore, it can perform delicate tasks near pipelines, wind farms, and other facilities.
Testing in Adverse Conditions
The equipment underwent rigorous testing in the wave tank of the National Robotarium. The experiments showed that it maintains stability even when subjected to external forces of up to 300 g.
When disturbed, it quickly returned to the desired position in just a few seconds. This adaptability reinforces its utility in deployments made from underwater vehicles.
Rowanne Miller, project manager at the National Robotarium, highlighted the significance of the achievement. For her, the team managed to take the idea from the initial concept to real testing. The result not only enhances existing technologies but transforms how underwater inspections can be conducted.
Miller added that the solution paves the way for safer interactions with critical infrastructure, with the potential to transform the maintenance of offshore assets in the coming decades.
International Cooperation
The initiative also marks a step forward in international cooperation in robotics. Lucas Silva, lead researcher at Senai Cimatec, emphasized that the partnership was crucial to achieving this result.
According to him, the joint effort allowed for the creation of an innovative approach to underwater manipulation, capable of opening new use cases for the industry. This achievement, Silva stated, represents a disruptive update in the development roadmap of the sector and sets new standards for future global partnerships.
The robot is aimed at offshore energy companies, underwater operators, and specialized inspection firms. Currently, maintenance methods rely on large vessels and divers, which increases costs, heightens safety risks, and creates environmental impacts.
With the new system, it will be possible to reduce expenses, cut carbon emissions, and enhance safety, as smaller vehicles can take on complex inspection tasks.
Soft Robotics at Scale
Until now, soft robotics has primarily been used in small-scale operations, such as the handling of delicate objects. The tentacle robot project demonstrates that the same technology can be applied to significant challenges in engineering in the real world.
The equipment will be showcased to the public during the inauguration of the UK Robotics Expo at the National Robotarium, scheduled for September 18.
If adopted at scale, the solution could mark a turning point in offshore operations. It offers a safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable way to protect global energy infrastructure, which relies on complex and vital underwater networks for worldwide supply.
