The 'HullSkater' Removes Biofilm to Prevent Biofouling
Michael Hemsworth — March 14, 2020 — Tech
The 'HullSkater' robot is a solution for the shipping industry that would work to eliminate biofouling and prevent it from causing any issues for vessels. The robot has been developed in collaboration between Norway-based Jotun and Sweden-based Semcon, and will work by scouring the hull of a ship to scrub away the biofilm that can give way to outright biofouling. This means that the unit will prevent barnacles, algae, mussels and other aquatic life to stick to the hull, which can cause decreased fuel economy for ships.
The 'HullSkater' robot features magnetic wheels to keep it affixed to the ship during cleanings and works by being piloted by a staff member from the Jotun team to ensure it's operating as expected.
The 'HullSkater' robot features magnetic wheels to keep it affixed to the ship during cleanings and works by being piloted by a staff member from the Jotun team to ensure it's operating as expected.
Trend Themes
1. Biofouling Prevention - Developing technologies and robotics to eliminate biofouling on aquatic vessels can enhance efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
2. Automated Vessel Scrubbing - Automated robots like the 'HullSkater' are revolutionizing the ship cleaning process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
3. Collaborative Innovation - Partnerships between companies such as Jotun and Semcon facilitate the development of innovative solutions for the shipping industry.
Industry Implications
1. Shipping - Implementing biofouling prevention technologies can lead to increased fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs for the shipping industry.
2. Robotics - The development of aquatic vessel-scrubbing robots presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the robotics industry for automated cleaning solutions.
3. Marine Coating - The use of biofilm-removing technologies like the 'HullSkater' provides opportunities for the marine coating industry to develop more effective anti-fouling solutions.
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