A true-to-life simulation platform designed to fast-track the deployment of robotics for offshore wind – the first of its kind to harness live environmental data – has been developed by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
VDARE (Virtual Demonstration and Assessment for Robotic Environments) allows companies to test, validate and accelerate the deployment of robotics in a range of offshore wind environments.
This includes floating offshore wind platforms, fixed-bottom wind turbines, and harbour and dockside operations. The technology simulates wind, wave and sea conditions, environmental parameters such as wind speed and wave height, and a multi-robot communications system.
ORE Catapult’s director of research and technical capabilities Cristina Garcia-Duffy said: “VDARE has the potential to be a game-changer in the development of new robotics solutions supporting the roll-out of offshore wind.
“By creating accurate real-world offshore environments to put innovative robotics through their paces, we can help fast-track their progression to commercialisation and gain valuable learning on how to overcome various technical challenges for the sector.
“A huge amount of work has gone into ensuring that the digital environments we have built are truly reflective of the real-world conditions that robotic devices are likely to face in the development and maintenance of offshore wind farms.
“Our Blyth facility already has a long and proud history of helping innovative companies fast-track solutions for the offshore wind sector, and VDARE provides another vital tool to support that.”
A variety of UK locations are offered on VDARE, and the platform can also replicate international locations with the inclusion of site-specific operational and environmental data.
The VDARE project is delivered with funding from Innovate UK’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund and OLTER (The Offshore Low Touch Energy Robotics and Autonomous Systems) project, part of the Net Zero Technology Transition Programme, created by the Net Zero Technology Centre.
Innovation ecosystem director at Innovate UK Dave Wilkes said: “Offshore renewable energy is a vital part of the UK’s journey to net zero. By investing in robotic systems, ORE Catapult is supporting development of the most cutting-edge technology to help reach that goal and keep UK businesses at the forefront of this opportunity.”
Luca Corradi, chief technology officer at the Net Zero Technology Centre, added: “Creating a test environment that accurately reflects offshore conditions is a significant step forward for offshore wind robotics.
“Access to real-life environmental data allows developers to test and refine autonomous systems earlier, improving reliability and reducing risk. This capability supports safer, low-intervention deployment at scale and plays a vital role in advancing dependable offshore operations as part of the wider energy transition.”
VDARE is located within ORE Catapult’s DARE (Digital, Autonomous and Robotics Centre of Excellence) at the National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland.
Showcasing VDARE’s capabilities, ORE Catapult teamed up with USV (unmanned surface vessel) company Acua Ocean to simulate deployment of the company’s hydrogen-powered equipment. The demonstration involved deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the Acua Ocean USV, where it followed the USV autonomously and collected vital data.