Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS)

The world-leading fleet of marine robots operated by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has just had its busiest two months ever.

NOC oceanographer Dr Stephanie Henson has been awarded a major research grant from the European Research Council (ERC).

A new study published by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) combines novel autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) mapping and imaging methodologies to reveal the complex 3D terrain of deep-sea vertical cliffs and the diversity of species associated with them.

A new project focusing on Sustainable Oceans, Livelihoods and food Security Through Increased Capacity in Ecosystem research (SOLSTICE), aims to strengthen the ability of the nine Western Indian Ocean nations to address the challenges of sustainable management of marine resources.

The RRS James Clark Ross arrived at the NOC last week, returning Autosub Long Range (ALR) home after its first scientific deployment in the Antarctic.

Today at Ocean Business, in Southampton, a project has been launched aiming to develop a guide for using ocean-robots to assess the impact of decommissioned oil structures on marine life.

The NOC’s Autosub Long Range is joining ocean scientists from the University of Southampton and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) on an expedition to study some of the deepest and coldest abyssal ocean waters on earth – known as Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) – and how they affect climate change.

The MAT Showcase for 2017 will take place 13 – 15 November.

‘A Year of Autonomy’ was launched today at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). This programme of five workshops aims to address the common challenges faced by robotic systems on land, sea and air by encouraging shared learning and collaboration.

These challenges include; the development of artificial intelligence, societal acceptance and energy management.

Thales, a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets, announced today that it will be taking space in the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton to facilitate its ongoing partnership with the NOC on marine autonomy projects.