Delegation from the Institute for Safe Autonomy Visits DARE for discussions around Offshore Innovation

The delegation, led by Professor. Miles Elsden, Director of ISA, was given an extensive overview of  the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, including their advanced robotics assembly bay, an airborne robotics test zone, and three massive dry docks each with a capacity of 20,000 cubic metres.

The visit marked a significant step in fostering collaboration between the two institutions, with both parties engaging in productive dialogues centred on their shared interests. These included the safe use of autonomous systems in offshore environments and the development of advanced offshore communications technology. Both ISA and  ORE Catapult recognise that safety is paramount in the offshore sector, given the inherent risks associated with operating in such a challenging environment.

Prof. Elsden highlighted the critical role that robotic and autonomous systems play in enhancing safety offshore.

"By utilising advanced robotic and autonomous systems to perform routine maintenance and monitoring tasks, we significantly reduce the risk to human operatives. The offshore environment is inherently hazardous, and our expertise at ISA is focused on ensuring that these systems can operate effectively and safely in such conditions," he said.

Ken Chan, Business Development Manager at ORE Catapult, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of innovation in maintaining safety standards.

"DARE is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is safely possible with autonomous systems.  Our facilities are designed to support the development and testing of cutting-edge technologies that can revolutionise offshore operations. Safety is at the core of everything we do, and our engagement with ISA is a testament to our dedication to creating safer, more efficient offshore environments," Chan remarked.

The tour of DARE's facilities showcased its leading-edge technology. The robotics assembly bay is equipped to handle the construction and testing of various autonomous systems, while the airborne robotics test zone allows for the development of drones and other aerial systems tailored for offshore use. The dry docks, with their vast capacities, provide ample space for testing maritime autonomous systems, simulating the rigorous conditions these systems will face in real-world applications.

The discussions between ISA and ORE Catapult also touched on the potential for future joint projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities and safety of offshore autonomous systems. Both institutions are keen to explore new avenues for cooperation, with a reciprocal visit planned to ISA's facilities in York later in the year. This visit will further cement the relationship between ISA and ORE Catapult, allowing for continued knowledge exchange and the development of innovative solutions for the offshore sector.

With safety as a guiding principle, both organisations are poised to make significant contributions to the offshore industry, ensuring that operations become safer and more efficient through the use of cutting-edge technology.

Written with the aid of Chat GPT.