Offshore Deployment of CRIS Underwater Robot

The Centre for Robotics & Intelligent Systems (CRIS) went out to test their newest robot in the waters off the coast of Ireland. The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Étaín was deployed from the ILV Granuaile, courtesy of CIL, during the 3 days ship time. (Pictured left, ROV Étaín in prep for its deployment by members of CRIS).

The Marine Institute funded shiptime took place off the shores of Galway on 10th-12th of May. During the three day deployment, the team performed several tests with the ROV Étaín.

ROV Étaín was funded by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), and enhanced in the UL based laboratory. It is equipped with UL-developed advanced control software (OceanRings), precision navigation and flight control, state-of-the-art robotic imaging and sonar systems and fully automated manipulator systems. During the shiptime CRIS ensured the robot was ready to operate in challenging conditions to inspect, repair and maintain Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) facilities.

UL’s Centre for Robotics & Intelligence Systems (CRIS) is part of the University College Cork led SFI national Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI).