EUMarineRobots

Our oceans are the least explored region of planet Earth. The protection and sustainable development of ocean resources involves major challenges. Robots will play an increasingly important role in the near future and this role will expand and become more challenging as we move into deeper, more remote and hostile marine environments.

Europe leads in many aspects of the maritime sector, but lacks infrastructure or a well-integrated and coordinated ocean robotic presence. The marine robotics industry is growing rapidly. It is a crucial high-value, high-cost sector with considerable barriers to R&D entry. The full growth potential of this industry will be greatly enhanced with access to shared robotics research infrastructure.

EUMarineRobots (EUMR) proposes an access infrastructure for the deployment of a full range of antenna, surface and sub-surface active marine robotic assets, whose combined value is far greater than the sum of their parts. EUMR will open up transnational access to important national R&D assets in marine robotics across Europe. The EUMR consortium is composed of 15 partners from 10 countries who, collectively, can deploy a complete portfolio of active robotic marine products with the required support assets and expertise. The network is a strong and balanced grouping of globally distinguished key players with a diverse track record of excellence in marine/robotic sectors. Partners are members of a wide variety of existing networks, and collaborators with both formal and informal research infrastructures across Europe and the world. EUMR is a first step in connecting these networks and assets as a world leader in supporting and growing a strong community of practice in marine-maritime robotics.