A large-scale underwater robot developed by the SARTI technological research group at UPC Vilanova—one of DIGI4ECO’s key partners—was recently showcased on Spanish TV, on Canal Blau. The feature highlighted how the robot is being tested in the waters of the Port of Vilanova as part of ongoing technological developments within the project.
The robot is equipped with cameras for observing marine species, a variety of biogeochemical sensors, and a robotic arm for collecting samples. These capabilities support one of DIGI4ECO’s core ambitions: the creation of a digital twin of the Vilanova coastline, enabling more accurate characterisation of marine ecosystems, monitoring of predator communities, and improved understanding of ecological interactions.
As presented on Canal Blau, the robot is expected to become part of the OBSEA underwater observatory, located 20 metres deep and 4 kilometres offshore. It will also undergo additional trials in Italy, Sweden, and Ireland, generating valuable data that will be processed using advanced artificial intelligence tools developed within DIGI4ECO.
DIGI4ECO aims to support the restoration of marine areas affected by environmental stress and human activities by improving access to high-quality data that reveal the dynamic changes within marine ecosystems.
You can view the full video here.