Winds of change for robotics testing in Blyth

A Northumberland-based innovation centre is supporting the rollout of robotics in offshore wind with a new simulation platform that mirrors real-world sea conditions.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has launched VDARE (Virtual Demonstration and Assessment for Robotic Environments) – a virtual testing ground that recreates offshore wind environments using live environmental data. 

Built at the organisation’s Digital, Autonomous and Robotics Centre of Excellence (DARE) at the National Renewable Energy Centre, in Blyth, VDARE is designed to help robotics and autonomous systems developers fast track new products into commercial use.

Funded through Innovate UK’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund and the OLTER (Offshore Low Touch Energy Robotics and Autonomous Systems) programme, VDARE simulates scenarios across floating platforms, fixed turbines and port-side operations. 

Bosses say the platform includes detailed modelling of wind, waves and communications between multiple robots, offering site-specific conditions from both UK and international waters.

Drone on a blade within the VDARE simulation

Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy, director of research and technical capabilities at ORE Catapult, said: “VDARE has the potential to be a game-changer in the development of new robotics solutions supporting the rollout of offshore wind.

“By creating accurate real-world offshore environments to put innovative robotics through their paces, we can help fast track their progression to commercialisation and gain valuable learning on how to overcome various technical challenges for the sector.   

“Our Blyth facility already has a long and proud history of helping innovative companies fast track solutions for the offshore wind sector, and VDARE provides another vital tool to support that.” 

Mike Tinmouth, chief operating officer at Acua Ocean, added: “Working with ORE Catapult, we have been able to develop a concept of operations in an operational environment such as an offshore wind farm or subsea data cables and simulate the deployment of payloads from USV PIONEER in different sea states and weather conditions.”

Companies including Nortech Engineering and Frontier Robotics have supplied sensors and robotics equipment to support the project.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →