ROBOTICA MARINA: Robótica marina para la monitorización sistemática y sostenible del océano, ciencia de datos, gestión climática, descarbonización, innovación y formación especializada de excelencia, en soporte a las estrategias de economía azul y transición ecológica en Canarias

The project aims to strengthen marine observation and sustainable management capacities through the acquisition of an advanced underwater glider equipped with high-precision sensors to measure essential ocean variables. This initiative responds to the global need—emphasized by the WMO and IPCC—for reliable in situ data to improve predictions of extreme climate events and support strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The project falls within PLOCAN’s innovation strategy as a Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) and a Blue Economy innovation hub in the Canary Islands. It involves the modernization of the VIMAS fleet (Vehicles, Instruments, and Submarine Machines), advanced training for technical staff, and public–private collaboration with technology companies, universities, and research centers. With an estimated duration of 18 months (May 2025 – October 2026), the project will follow a modular and iterative structure to ensure the effective integration of the new equipment into PLOCAN’s observation and training programs.

Its specific objectives include improving the quality and continuity of ocean data following international FAIR standards; strengthening PLOCAN’s leadership within European observation networks (EMSO, EuroGOOS, OceanGliders); promoting technological innovation in marine robotics; and fostering local talent development in emerging ocean technologies.

The expected impact spans multiple dimensions: scientific, by improving the quality of ocean monitoring; economic, by consolidating Gran Canaria as a center for innovation in marine robotics; environmental, by enhancing marine spatial planning and biodiversity protection; and social, by promoting specialized training and the creation of skilled employment. Overall, the project reinforces the Canary Islands’ position as a European benchmark in Blue Economy and Ecological Transition, contributing to a sustainable development model grounded in knowledge and technological innovation.