March 2023

Force55 Ltd have agreed the installation of systems and pull-through testing within the OREC (Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) remote-field test-site zone, some 7.2km East of Blyth.
In coordination with programmed Marine Robotics testing (min; 75 days per year) within the designated Blyth Met-Mast RAS test-site area, the position of the sub-sea robotic vehicles resolved by the rogue detection and monitoring system will be directly compared to the acoustic positioning of the same marine robotic vehicles. The installation of the acoustic positioning system will provide a direct and independent verification of the rogue detection solutions derived during the testing\trials period. Additionally the installed array of positioning and detection systems can be used to continuously improve the associated algorithms that define the detected target characteristics i.e. whether the intrusion is performed by a subsea vehicle of a certain class or indeed a diver.
F55 have developed a 2D/3D digitally-twinned software platform (WatchTower Suite) specifically designed for the offshore renewables environment and one that is uniquely capable of representing both surface and sub-surface vessel/asset monitoring in real-time. Jonathan Hughes – Validation Manager at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult has organised for the real-time remote-field data to be presented within the newly commissioned National Robotics Centre for Offshore Wind, the Digital Autonomous and Engineering (DARE) Centre in Blyth. The Centre is designed around a progressive approach to a Marine Control Centre layout, and the WatchTower GUI will be employed upon the state-of-the-art multi-screen layout that is the nucleus of the Centre dynamics.
The offshore test site at Blyth is the UK’s first offshore trial centre of its kind. The facility will enable pseudo remote site test simulation, demonstration and validation of new system features and facilities. The environment available will enable robotic technology developers to assess assets and expertise in both representative onshore and live offshore demonstration environments across inspection, maintenance and repair for aerial, subsea and surface applications.

Figure – Constructed test activities for marine robotic and autonomous systems
Figure – Constructed test activities for marine robotic and autonomous systems

Blyth – OREC Met-Mast, 7.2km from the DARE Centre location.
Blyth – OREC Met-Mast, 7.2km from the DARE Centre location.

Figure – Offshore facilities and activities. Hashed red area – test site area
Figure – Offshore facilities and activities. Hashed red area – test site area