Location: Istituto di BioRobotica – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Lab head: Prof. Cesare Stefanini
Contact: maria.mauro@santannapisa.it; francesco.inglese@santannapisa.it
Lab Team
Cesare Stefanini
Professore Ordinario
Istituto di Biorobotica
Maria Mauro
Personale Tecnico Instituto di Biorobotica
Donato Romano
Ricercatore
Istituto di Biorobotica
Godfried Jansen Van Vuuren
Collaboratore
Istituto di Biorobotica
Lab Mission
The UWR Laboratory specializes in advancing underwater robotics for environmental protection and valorization. The facility supports the development of autonomous robots in both single and swarm configurations, utilizing lightweight, cost-effective, miniaturized technologies. Robust biorobotic solutions enable long-term monitoring of underwater environments, including marine life observation, fostering sustainable and eco-friendly innovations in underwater exploration.
Devices
Large octagonal transparent tank
The transparent octagonal tank serves as a state-of-the-art test environment for underwater robotic devices. Designed with an elongated octagonal shape, it skilfully approximates a circular shape, significantly reducing the impact of sharp angles. This is particularly advantageous for testing autonomous navigation systems, as it minimises the discontinuities caused by acute angles, ensuring smoother trajectories and more realistic simulations. The transparent walls of the pool allow for precise monitoring and data collection, providing an ideal environment for perfecting underwater robotic technology.
Data sheet: download
Note:
High-Pressure Testing Systems for Subsea Hardware
The High-Pressure Testing System for Subsea Hardware is a specialized setup designed to simulate extreme pressure conditions experienced by subsea equipment during deep-water operations. These systems are essential for verifying the structural integrity and operational performance of subsea components, such as valves, connectors, and pressure vessels, under the high-pressure environment of deep ocean depths.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP
Vacuum impregnation and encapsulation equipment
Vacuum impregnation and encapsulation equipment is specialized machinery designed to enhance the durability and reliability of components by sealing porous materials, insulating electronic components, or encapsulating assemblies in protective coatings. This equipment uses vacuum to remove air and contaminants from voids or spaces within a material or assembly, followed by the controlled application of resins, sealants, or encapsulating compounds.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP
Acoustic modem platform for underwater communication
The Acoustic Modem Platform for Underwater Communication enables reliable data transmission in underwater environments. It ensures robust, bidirectional communication for applications like monitoring underwater sensors, controlling AUVs, and supporting marine research or offshore operations. Equipped with noise reduction and error correction, these platforms are essential for efficient underwater connectivity.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP