Underwater Robotics Complex for Inspection and Laser Cleaning of Ships from Biofouling

The survey of an underwater part of ships is the mandatory procedure by rules of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Periodic cleaning of the ship’s hull from biofouling increases efficiency of its motion. Inspection of the underwater part of the ship during afloat is currently carried out by divers with the underwater video system, devices for non-destructive testing of hull structures, and tools for cleaning surfaces from products of biological fouling and corrosion. The purpose of this study was to develop a new technical tool for remote surveying and cleaning of ship’s hull using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with underwater laser cleaning equipment. The design of the vehicle for inspection and laser cleaning of ships has been developed during the research. The algorithms for trajectory controlling of the vehicle over the hull surface based on wheel and propulsion system has been proposed. The navigation data for the trajectory planning was received from combination of wheel and visual odometry. The proposed technical solutions allow the hull of the ship to be inspected and cleaned effectively and safely without being placed in the dry dock as well as to quickly assess the condition of the surface with the binding of the results to the ship’s drawing.