Green Marine UK has supported the launch of the new “Blue Robotarium” at the All-Energy Exhibition and Conference, in the capacity of founding partner.
The International Blue Economy Robotarium brings together top-tier expertise from academia and industry to advance the use of robotics and AI in the marine and offshore energy sectors.
The initiative forms part of the broader National Robotarium based at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh which stands as the UK’s premier centre for robotics and artificial intelligence.
Opened in 2022, the £22.4 million campus is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, funded through the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal. It houses cutting-edge laboratories dedicated to Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), and Precision Laser Applications (PLA), promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Working alongside Heriot-Watt University, Aquatera Group, EMEC, Leask Marine, and The National Robotarium, Green Marine UK’s involvement underscores its continued leadership in sustainable marine operations. The Orkney-based firm will contribute its deep experience in offshore logistics, vessel operations, and project management to support the Robotarium’s ambitious objectives.
The Blue Robotarium aims to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation robotic technologies that can transform the global blue economy. In particular, the initiative will focus on offshore wind and tidal energy—sectors where Green Marine UK has a proven track record of delivering complex, high-value projects in challenging marine environments.
Over the coming months, the Blue Robotarium will implement a wide-ranging programme to explore how robotics, AI, and data technologies can improve sustainability and efficiency in marine industries. This includes establishing a centre of excellence in Orkney for testing, certification, and performance validation of emerging technologies. With access to a network of 400 service specialists, the Blue Robotarium offers a one-stop-shop for innovators and businesses seeking to reduce costs and environmental impacts through cutting-edge technology.
The initiative will form part of the broader National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh which stands as the UK’s premier centre for robotics and artificial intelligence. Opened in September 2022, the £22.4 million, 40,000 sq ft facility is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, funded through the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal. It houses cutting-edge laboratories dedicated to Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), and Precision Laser Applications (PLA), promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Green Marine UK’s Managing Director Jason Schofield said the firm’s operational insight and technical capability will help ensure new systems are safe, effective, and ready for real-world deployment. “Through the Blue Robotarium we are looking to create a future where marine operations are smarter, cleaner, and more cost-effective,” he said. “This is a huge step forward for Orkney and for the wider offshore industry. Green Marine is proud to bring its operational experience and innovative spirit to a collaboration that will help shape the future of ocean technology.”
In tandem with its involvement in the Robotarium, Green Marine UK recnently announced a significant expansion of its capabilities through a seven-figure investment in a new Subsea Services Department. This strategic move, supported by financial backing from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), includes the acquisition of advanced subsea technology from industry leaders such as Rovtech (Seatronics), Sonardyne, Norbit, Voyis, Tritech, Digital Edge Subsea, and EIVA.
The Subsea Services Department will offer in-house turnkey solutions and data services. These services encompass General Visual Inspection (GVI), 3D surveys incorporating real-time Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) analysis, marine site characterization, multibeam sonar mapping, and operations and maintenance (O&M) monitoring with a focus on subsea cables, pipelines, and offshore structures.
A cornerstone of this expansion is the acquisition of Rovtech’s VALOR remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a lightweight and portable system renowned for its capabilities in challenging underwater environments. The VALOR ROV’s power and versatility simplify the integration of state-of-the-art sensors, making it a highly valued tool for modern subsea data collection.
To learn more about the Blue Robotarium and its mission, visit: https://bluerobotarium.com
