NEWS
National Robotarium accelerates industry development of wind farm robotics
T he National Robotarium is supporting the development of new Artificial Intelligence and control systems that could enable underwater robots to operate autonomously in turbulent seas , potentially revolutionising maintenance and repair tasks for offshore wind turbines .
The UNITE project , an EPSRC Prosperity Partnership programme led by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with Imperial College London , is creating new Artificial Intelligence and control systems in partnership with geo-data specialist Fugro and Heriot- Watt University spinout Frontier Robotics , supported by the National Robotarium , the UK ’ s centre for robotics and AI .
The project demonstrates the National Robotarium ’ s role in bringing together established companies and emerging innovators . Through its laboratories and testing infrastructure , the facility enables rapid development and validation of commercial solutions . The technology being developed could reduce standard data collection time from three weeks to just three hours .
“ Our trials are showing promising results in enabling underwater robots to maintain stable contact with offshore structures in challenging conditions ,” said David Morrison , Project Manager
at the National Robotarium . “ If successful , the technology could transform offshore wind maintenance , reducing fuel consumption of maintenance missions by up to 97 % – from 7,000 litres per day to just 200 litres . This could significantly lower both operational costs and the carbon footprint of maintenance .”
Sweco ’ s climate targets approved by Science Based Targets initiative
S weco has received the validation and approval of its near-term emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative ( SBTi ). The climate targets cover emissions across the company ’ s Scope 1 , 2 and 3 and are consistent with the goals of the UN Paris Agreement .
As one of Europe ’ s leading architecture and engineering consultancies , Sweco is committed to actively supporting the transition to a low-carbon society . The setting of science-based targets for the company ’ s own emissions reductions is one important step on Sweco ’ s decarbonisation pathway .
In the near-term , Sweco has committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions by 90 % and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 % by 2030 from a 2020 base year . The targets have been validated and approved by SBTi and are consistent with halving total emissions by 2030 .
“ We are pleased to have our near-term climate targets validated by SBTi , confirming their alignment with what the latest climate science considers necessary to limit global warming to 1.5⁰C . This is a testimony to Sweco ’ s climate action ambitions . As architects and engineers , we are uniquely positioned to influence and design sustainable solutions that meet the challenges of climate change and the SBTi validation is a clear signal for our clients and suppliers to join us in transforming society together ,” said Åsa Bergman , President and CEO of Sweco .
www . intelligentbuild . tech 9