Robotics and Digital

Advancing technology to tackle climate change
Automated Brassica Harvesting project
Robotics and digital technologies are pivotal to the transformation happening across industry sectors to tackle global challenges.
At Plymouth, we draw together cutting-edge expertise in remote, automated, and autonomous technologies as well as digital environments and tools. This expertise is underpinned by world-leading facilities that serve as platforms for transdisciplinary projects spanning developmental engineering, scientific applications, industry innovation, health technologies policy and economics.

Addressing global challenges through digital and robotic innovation

CETUS – leading innovation in maritime autonomy

CETUS – a C-Worker 4 – a cutting-edge unmanned marine vessel capable of conducting research off the South West coast is now available for use by Devon-based small and medium-sized businesses. The vehicle, developed and supplied by L3Harris Technologies, is based at the University's Coxside Marine Station. It will enable staff, students and local businesses to conduct innovative marine research within the Smart Sound Plymouth offshore proving area.
Cetus

Automated Brassica Harvesting in Cornwall (ABC) – robots drive up productivity in horticulture

ABC is developing robotic systems for automating manual picking operations in the horticultural sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project uses bio-inspired soft robot arm technology that can absorb shocks and be safe around people while maintaining precision when required. This makes it highly suited to complex and unpredictable agricultural environments and addresses the challenges of vegetable growers as producers seek to cut costs and meet demanding specifications from buyers.
Fieldwork robotics harvesting robot

Simulator transforms research into marine and maritime installations

The Maritime Simulation Laboratory brings together a network of high-tech components that can be used to run a series of maritime scenarios in real-time. At its heart is a Kongsberg K-Sim Dynamic Positioning simulator - the new facility that can accurately model any maritime geographical area in the world. The simulator will initially be used to test and optimise marine operations throughout the lifecycle of floating offshore wind (FLOW) installations providing academics and industry with a virtual environment in which to test their innovations.
Dynamic Positioning Simulator

Explore our transformational projects

The National Centre for Coastal Autonomy (NCCA) – delivering world-leading capability in coastal autonomy

Founded by the partners in Marine Research Plymouth – the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth, the NCCA comprises a fleet of state-of-the-art surface autonomous vessels, sub-surface coastal platforms and sophisticated scientific buoys integrated on a unique high-speed marine communications network. This combination of innovation and new technology will deliver the UK’s first autonomous coastal observing system.

People

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

In response to climate change imperatives, we are bringing together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the University of Plymouth. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, the Centre aims to be a beacon for the University’s whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy.

Strategic Research Institutes and Research Groups