DexROV · Project

Remote-Controlled Underwater Robots That Work Despite Satellite Delays

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Imagine trying to operate a robotic arm underwater from hundreds of kilometers away — but every command you send takes seconds to arrive because it goes through a satellite. DexROV figured out how to make that work by building a virtual twin of the underwater scene on shore, so the operator works in real-time on a simulation while a smart system translates those actions into commands the robot can execute on its own. They also built force-feedback gloves so you can actually feel what the robot is gripping, and paired it all with dexterous two-armed manipulators tested in deep water. The end result: you move most of the expensive crew from an offshore vessel to a control center on land.

By the numbers

Offshore crew members (intendant, operator, navigator) that can be moved onshore

Consortium partners across the project

Countries represented in the consortium

SMEs in the consortium

Total deliverables completed

Dexterous manipulation arms integrated in ROV skid

Degrees of freedom in underwater object registration

The business problem

What needed solving

Offshore underwater operations require expensive ROV crews — typically at least 3 specialists — to be physically present on vessels at sea. Customer representatives also travel offshore to observe operations. This drives up costs through vessel time, accommodation, transport, and personnel risk, while limiting how quickly operations can begin and how many can run simultaneously.

The solution

What was built

The project built a complete remote ROV operation system: dexterous two-arm manipulators with force-sensing grippers on a modular skid, haptic arm and hand exoskeletons for force feedback, a cognitive engine that converts operator commands into autonomous robot actions despite satellite delays, a real-time 3D simulation environment with cm-accuracy underwater models, satellite communications infrastructure, and an onshore control center — all integrated and tested in a realistic offshore trial.

Audience

Who needs this

Offshore oil & gas operators with subsea inspection and maintenance programsROV service companies looking to reduce vessel deployment costsOffshore wind farm operators needing underwater turbine foundation workDeep-sea mining companies planning remote seabed operationsSubsea telecom cable installation and repair companies

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Oil & Gas

enterprise

Target: Offshore oil and gas operators running subsea inspection and maintenance

If you are an offshore operator spending heavily on ROV crew deployment at sea — this project developed a system that lets operators control underwater robots from an onshore control center, even over satellite links with delays. The cognitive engine translates operator commands into autonomous robot actions, cutting the need for a typical 3-person offshore ROV crew. With dexterous two-arm manipulators tested for deep water, complex subsea tasks can be performed remotely.

Subsea Services & Marine Engineering

mid-size

Target: ROV service companies and subsea contractors

If you are a subsea services company looking to reduce vessel time and crew costs — DexROV built force-feedback exoskeletons for arms and hands, plus a real-time simulation environment with cm-accuracy 3D models of the seabed. This means your operators can work from shore with full tactile feedback, while the ROV executes tasks autonomously underwater. The system was validated with a realistic offshore trial using satellite communications.

Offshore Wind & Renewable Energy

enterprise

Target: Offshore wind farm operators needing underwater turbine foundation inspection

If you are an offshore wind operator dealing with costly underwater inspections of turbine foundations — this project delivered an advanced underwater localization and perception system with 6 DoF registration, 3D mapping, and 3D object modeling. Combined with autonomous manipulation primitives, the ROV can perform routine inspection and light intervention tasks with minimal human oversight from an onshore center, reducing your dependence on expensive offshore support vessels.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much could this reduce our offshore ROV operation costs?

The project directly targets cost reduction by moving the ROV crew — typically 3 people (intendant, operator, navigator) plus customer representatives — from offshore to an onshore control center. This eliminates costly offshore accommodation, transport, and vessel time for those personnel. Exact savings depend on your operation, but offshore crew costs often run thousands of euros per person per day.

Has this been tested at industrial scale in real offshore conditions?

Yes. The project culminated in a realistic offshore trial with satellite communications installed on a COMEX vessel. The dexterous manipulators (2 arms with grippers) were integrated into a modular skid and tested for deep water operations. The satellite communication system was developed, integrated, and tested end-to-end.

What is the IP situation and can we license this technology?

The project was a Research and Innovation Action (RIA) with 9 partners across 6 countries. IP is likely shared among consortium members including the coordinator Space Applications Services NV (Belgium). Licensing arrangements would need to be discussed with the relevant technology owners for specific components like the cognitive engine, haptic interfaces, or manipulator hardware.

How does the system handle communication delays over satellite?

The system builds cm-accuracy 3D models of the underwater environment in real time using 3D sonar and vision sensors. Operators work in a simulation environment on shore with no delays, and a cognitive engine analyzes their commands and converts them into autonomous execution primitives that the ROV carries out independently despite latency.

What specific hardware was developed and delivered?

The project delivered dexterous two-arm manipulators with force-sensing grippers integrated in a modular skid, haptic arm and hand exoskeletons for force feedback, an immersive visual interface, and a main control center with consoles, screen walls, and communication channels. All 35 planned deliverables were completed.

Is this ready to deploy or still experimental?

Based on available project data, the key components were described as 'tested and operational for deep water operations' and validated in an offshore trial. The technology reached demonstration level but would likely need engineering work to become a commercial product. The coordinator Space Applications Services NV is an SME that could potentially bring this to market.

Consortium

Who built it

The DexROV consortium brings together 9 partners from 6 countries (Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands) with a balanced mix of 4 industry players and 4 universities plus 1 research organization. The 44% industry ratio and 4 SMEs signal strong commercial orientation — this was not a purely academic exercise. The coordinator, Space Applications Services NV, is a Belgian SME with expertise in space and remote operations, giving credibility to the remote control and latency mitigation aspects. The presence of COMEX (a well-known deep diving and subsea company) for offshore trials adds real-world validation. This consortium composition suggests the technology was developed with commercialization in mind.

SPACE APPLICATIONS SERVICES NVCoordinator · BE
GRAAL TECH SRLparticipant · IT
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI CASSINO E DEL LAZIO MERIDIONALEthirdparty · IT
CONSTRUCTOR UNIVERSITY BREMEN GGMBHparticipant · DE
FONDATION DE L'INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE IDIAPparticipant · CH
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVAparticipant · IT
COMPAGNIE MARITIME D EXPERTISES SAparticipant · FR
UNIVERSITA DEL SALENTOthirdparty · IT

How to reach the team

Space Applications Services NV (Belgium) — an SME specializing in space and remote operations technology

Order a report on this consortium See SPACE APPLICATIONS SERVICES NV profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how DexROV's remote underwater manipulation technology could cut your offshore crew costs? SciTransfer can connect you with the right consortium partners and help assess fit for your operations.

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