Robo-Laser: A Novel System for Remediation of Marine Corrosion in Confined Spaces within Naval Platforms Using Laser Carrying Spider Robots 

Project objective:

The University of Newcastle, together with the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, are undertaking a research project to develop and demonstrate a highly effective and low-cost laser technology for the detection and removal of corrosion in marine vessels.

Problem:

Corrosion management constitutes a significant portion of sustainment spending for the Navy. Corrosion removal with existing methods is noisy, costly and time consuming with mixed results due in part to access limitations. 

Outcome:

This project provides a game-changing capability for Defence. It  narrows down the relevant technology gap by developing robotic platform capable of re-mediating corrosion damage with naval platforms, especially in areas with limited access such as inside the hull, ballast tanks, engine rooms in surface ships.