Researchers at Swedish KTH have received a grant of SEK 100 million to develop new underwater robots.
The funding was received through the Swedish Maritime Robotics Centre (SMaRC) from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF).
The goal of SMaRC is to be involved in developing of the new robots that are both intelligent, have a longer range and endurance, and are also cheaper.
The main challenge of the research is the raise of the robots’ overall system performance. To do this, the researchers have identified four key areas which require more research: autonomy, endurance, perception and underwater communication.
The research will be applied with a focus on resolving industry challenges. As a connecting link between the different research approaches, researchers have a demonstrator program where new algorithms, methods and sensors will be tested in the lab and in real environments such as the Baltic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Svalbard.
In addition to KTH researchers, the researchers from Stockholm and Gothenburg University are taking part in the project. Industrial partners are SAAB, MMT Sweden, FMV and FOI.