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MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2

RObots in Tanks

Awarded: NOK 1.4 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

188801

Project Period:

2009 - 2012

Organisation:

Location:

Partner countries:

The proposed project ?RObots in Tanks? (ROT) aims to foster the development, application and integration of new manufacturing and inspection processes for narrow, highly inaccessible, dirty and complex enclosed spaces on vessels, like ballast water tanks. These processes will use a new generation of mobile robots that are able to operate autonomously under the specific conditions of such spaces. Based on an evaluation of typical designs for ballast water tanks, the project will develop a concept for a rob otic system to automate the maintenance of ballast water tanks (inspection, cleaning, coating, repair). User requirements as well as the relevant class rules and inspection requirements will be considered to define the different robotic tasks. To make sur e that the conceptualized system will be fit for use under real-world conditions, key-componentes will undergo intensive practical testing in a special test-bed consisting of a tank mock-up and an underwater test-lab, The main outcome of the project will be a tested technical concept and specifications for a robotic tank-maintenance system and design-guidelines for ?robot-friendly? ballast water tanks. These specifications will be the basis for follow-up activities and projects with the objective to bring a robotic system for the maintenance of complex enclosed spaces to market. The market potential for such new kinds of robots is large as their application is not limited to ballast water tank maintenance, but can be extended to other processes in shipbui lding (e.g. cargo holds and fuel tanks) and application areas where complex enclosed spaces have to be managed.

Funding scheme:

MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2