Maintenance and Repair
Maritime
Cleaning
Artificial Intelligence
Autonomous Robotics
FKZ 02WDG1763
LABROID
Adaptive Autonomous Biofouling Robot with Operational Intelligent Environmental Perception and Data Analysis for Environmentally Sustainable Shipping
Duration: November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2027
Consortium:
- University of Kassel / Computer Science (IES)
- University of Kassel / Fluid Mechanics (STM)
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion
- Briese Schiffahrts GmbH Co.KG
Contact Person (Coordinator)
Dr.-Ing. Florian Gerland
Universität Kassel
Mönchebergstr. 7
34125 Kassel
What the Project Is About
As part of the LABROID project, key components of a robotic system are being developed to lay the groundwork for continuous, environmentally friendly in-transit cleaning of microfouling on ship hulls, thereby opening up new applications for intelligent robotics in the maritime environmental sector. In this project, the University of Kassel is combining its expertise in mechanical engineering (STM) and computer science (IES) to develop two key technologies: a real-time control system for a nature-inspired, energy-recovering flotation system for robotic movement along the ship’s hull (STM), as well as AI-supported real-time fouling detection with autonomous path planning (IES).
The goal is to develop a robotic system with high environmental robustness, adaptive self-awareness (“self-aware control”), and optimized energy efficiency that represents a sustainable alternative to biocide-containing coatings. STM focuses on the hardware-side further development of a proprietary robot platform, particularly the fin system, sensor integration, and robotic navigation.
IES is responsible for developing a deep learning-based control system that ensures robotic autonomy through multisensor fusion, physics-informed learning, and reinforcement learning. Together, the goal is to quantitatively demonstrate the potential for reducing CO₂ emissions, microplastic release, and the transport of non-native species. Through its contribution, the University of Kassel strengthens Germany’s technological sovereignty in the maritime environmental sector and supports the objectives of the Digital GreenTech funding guidelines as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.