Class society ABS and vertical-climbing robot developer, Fleet Robotics, have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing autonomous hull cleaning and inspecting robots.
Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer said: “It is an honor to work alongside Fleet Robotics to advance autonomous robotic systems for the industry. This collaboration is about more than innovation, we are working to establish the standards and frameworks needed for the maritime industry to confidently adopt these technologies and move toward safer, more efficient and data-driven vessel maintenance.”
The project will include assessing the suitability of robotic systems for inspection tasks, validating the quality and integrity of sensor data and imagery for class use, and identifying pathways to integrate these technologies into existing class, regulatory and owner/operator workflows.
According to ABS, autonomous technology is gradually re-shaping the commercial marine, government and offshore industries and has the potential to deliver increased operational efficiency, safety and lower costs.
“This is not a singular technology, but is the result of rapid advancements in sensors and imaging, connectivity with the vessel, machine learning and more. But regulation, engineering and culture all present challenges as significant as the development of technology itself,” ABS said in a statement.
