Neither asteroids nor distant planets, the next great frontier for explorers and researchers are the oceans. There is no consensus among the scientific community, but several studies indicate that less than 5% of the oceans are known. After a long time of neglect, the man is slowly rediscovering the importance of the oceans.
In addition to traditional activities such as fishing and navigation, there is a growing demand for research and innovation in industrial activities related to ocean, like production of offshore wind energy, aquaculture and biotechnology, and the extraction of oil, gas and minerals. In this environment, the new maritime economy has as the main challenge, the balance between profitability, cost, safety and reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
An important tool in this rediscovery of the sea have been the use of underwater (ROVs – remotely operated vehicles and AUVs – Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and surface robots (catamarans, boats and buoys), capable of performing various tasks to exploit the seabed, as well as inspection and maintenance of facilities at great depths. INESC P&D Brazil has a highly qualified staff in the area of Robotics and Sensors, with experience in performing work of science, technology and innovation. In this sense, INESC P&D Brazil is available as possible partner in this field.