Concept of Operations for Collaborative Human Robot Inspection and Intervention System in Challenging Underwater Environments

Abstract

Abstract The onset of electrification and increasing penetration of renewable energy resources as well as prioritization for greater environmental, social and governance factors in the offshore energy sector will lead to the emergence of disruptive technologies. The offshore inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) market was USD 8.93 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to USD 18.04 billion by 2028 [1]. At present, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) generally supported with large offshore support vessels (OSVs), have established themselves as indispensable for offshore IRM operations. Key emerging technologies such as 3D computer vision, mixed reality, digital twinning, and machine learning, coupled with significant advances in robotics, automation, sensors, and communication now make it possible to consider performing a range of undersea tasks using undersea vehicles without a tether, but under careful human supervision. It is now possible to radically redefine the meaning of the words "tethered system" through a hybrid approach by including virtual tethering via high frequency acoustic or optical communication at a short range, and with an extremely small optical fiber base station providing remote surface connectivity. By collaborating with an onshore/offshore remote human operator and a digital twin of the environment, battery-powered, tetherless hybrid underwater vehicles (HUVs) will be able to perform a range of tasks at a remote location that might otherwise require a conventional ROV and a support ship on site. The Collaborative Human Robot Inspection & Intervention System (CHRIIS) is aimed towards providing remote intelligent tetherless solutions to inspection and light intervention of offshore marine assets.