Digital ocean: underpinning research with technological innovation

Learn how the Marine Institute is utilising autonomous systems, digital technology and artificial intelligence to inform the sustainable management of our oceans and support resource security
USV CETUS is a C-Worker 4 unmanned surface vehicle developed and supplied by L3Harris Technologies (Credit University of Plymouth)
 
 
 
Our world-leading expertise in the application of secure marine autonomous systems has the potential to underpin a wide range of activities, including scientific monitoring, observation, deep-sea exploration, and the generation of renewable energy. Furthermore, innovative AI techniques for biological image analysis are being used to inform environmental management. 

Research centres and groups

USV Cetus & Falcon Spirit Autonomous Marine Systems research group

Launch of the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy - NCCA. Launched by HRH The Princess Royal at Plymouth Marine Labs PML. National Centre for Coastal Autonomy — Marine Research Plymouth

Impact Lab - Immersive Vision Theatre i-DAT: digital arts and technology

More centres and groups innovating technological solutions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Research projects and initiatives

Extreme Loading on Floating Offshore Wind Turbine under Complex Environmental Conditions CROWN: Cyber Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks
 Investigation of cyber resilience and vulnerability in relation to offshore wind systems

UOP RN partnership - Cyber-SHIP Lab Royal Navy partnership for marine autonomy research
 Advancing the understanding around the future potential of marine autonomy

JHAM-CAM Development of underwater habitat monitoring camera
 Creating a network of underwater cameras along the region’s coasts and estuaries to observe juvenile fish habitats

More projects innovating technological solutions
A selection of further projects:
Citizen application for collecting mangrove monitoring data
Continuous Plankton Recorder sampler
Evaluation of the importance of IMO Conventions for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
Geo Searcher Report
Observation Capabilities of Biodiversity
Path planning and swarm control of unmanned surface vehicles
Royal Navy uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) development
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface
Sonar Pod Development
Technology, underwater pressure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Making an impact through leading research and expertise

Our longstanding, reputable portfolio of research and innovation, ensures we are well-placed to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inform national and international policy.
  • Partners in the Future Autonomous at Sea Technologies (FAST) Cluster, which is pioneering the development and delivery of innovative marine autonomous solutions, such as platforms, sensors, advanced power systems and communication networks.
  • One of the UK’s foremost innovators in the application of autonomous technology to conduct ocean science, trialling and testing new technologies. 
  • Utilise a fleet of cutting-edge surface and subsurface marine autonomous system sensing platforms and a full commercial, survey grade uncrewed surface vessel.
 
 
 

Study opportunities

Our marine- and ocean-related degrees are supporting the next generation of thinkers and change-makers to learn how technological innovation can protect our seas and oceans.
University's wave tank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We also supervise postgraduate research in the following areas: