Eelume has done the first live videos of its underwater intervention vehicles in Kongsberg, Norway, that were supported by Kongsberg Maritime as the development partner.
According to Eelume the new robot has torn up the marine robotics rulebook to create a futuristic, snake-like [ds_preview]vehicle designed to live permanently underwater and carry out underwater intervention tasks. This would normally require the mobilisation of expensive surface vehicles for divers or to launch and retrieve ROVs or AUVs.
The footage captured at the Prezioso Linjebygg Subsea Test Center during trials in the Trondheimsfjord shows the potential of the vehicle to improve inspection and light intervention operations on subsea installations. The modular, snake-like design allows it to access hard to reach points on subsea structures while its ability to shift into a U-shaped dual arm configuration allows intricate interactions using a diverse toolset including torque tools, grippers and specialised maintenance equipment the company stated.
The new robot could replace surface vessels
According to Eelume the vehicle has superior manoeuvrability, in a stable sensor and actuator platform, and can provide easy access to constrained areas not accessible by conventional underwater vehicles. No expensive surface vessels would be needed. The solution can be installed on both existing and new fields where typical jobs include; visual inspection, cleaning, and operating valves and chokes. These jobs account for a large part of the total subsea inspection and intervention spend.
Eelume is a company sourced from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and has teamed up with the NTNU Technology Transfer Office, Kongsberg Maritime and Statoil to develop the next generation of underwater robots.
