/// PROJECTS

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

This project enhances sustainable ocean observation through the acquisition of an advanced-instrumented glider. Aligned with PLOCAN’s strategy, it improves ocean data quality, fosters marine robotics, develops local talent, and strengthens public–private collaboration. It contributes to Blue Economy and climate adaptation, positioning the Canary Islands as a hub for scientific and technological innovation in support of sustainable development.

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.

El impacto esperado abarca varias dimensiones: científica, al aumentar la calidad de la monitorización oceánica; económica, al consolidar a Gran Canaria como polo de innovación en robótica marina; ambiental, al apoyar la planificación espacial marina y la protección de la biodiversidad; y social, al promover la formación especializada y la creación de empleo cualificado. En conjunto, el proyecto refuerza la posición de Canarias como referente europeo en Economía Azul y Transición Ecológica, contribuyendo a un modelo de desarrollo sostenible basado en el conocimiento y la innovación tecnológica.