Robotic and Uncrewed Systems for the Operations and Maintenance of Offshore Wind Farms

This ongoing PhD at the University of Exeter, sponsored by EDF Energy, focuses on using AIS (Automatic Identification System) data to assess the suitability of uncrewed and robotic solutions for offshore wind farm operations. By analyzing existing AIS data, a large database of survey, installation, and O&M activities has been compiled, providing accurate vessel tracks and durations. This data has been used to evaluate both crewed and uncrewed vessels, identifying where autonomous solutions can be effectively deployed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and lower risks. The analysis helps inform the future development of uncrewed systems by highlighting operational gaps, optimizing deployment strategies, and ensuring these technologies align with industry needs.