A research consortium led by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) has developed an innovative underwater welding robot to alleviate the reliance on skilled industrial divers for maritime infrastructure repairs. This project, known as MARIOW (Maritime AI-Guided & Remote Operated Welding), utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced sensor technology to enable autonomous welding, addressing the significant shortage of qualified workers in the field.
Traditionally, underwater welding for structures such as port facilities and offshore installations has been a manual task, often fraught with risks. The MARIOW system aims to perform these tasks autonomously, enhancing precision and consistency even in challenging visibility conditions. The consortium includes notable institutions such as the Institute for Materials and Process Technology and the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research.
Central to the system is a modular underwater manipulator, capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters, with a reach of two meters. The AI-driven welding path determination leverages high-resolution images from a stereo camera system, allowing the robot to recognize welding joints and optimize its movements. The introduction of the underwater flux-cored arc welding process further enhances automation, ensuring stable and reproducible welds.
Future phases of the project will focus on practical applications in harbor environments, addressing challenges posed by saltwater, currents, and increased pressure at depth. The consortium plans to integrate additional technologies, including a laser system for slag removal, to further improve the welding process.
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