A Hybrid Imaging System for Underwater Robotic Applications

MARESye is a computer vision system that facilitates the monitoring and manipulation of objects in underwater environments. Technologically, the solution comprises a set of cameras, lasers, lighting and a proprietary software that controls the operation of the various components in order to collect information about the objects in very low visibility environments due to water turbidity. MARESye enables more efficient machinery operation in activities that lead to increased water turbidity such as deep mining, oil extraction or submerged structures monitoring. This technology has 4 main application industries aligned with 4 priority themes and respective topics of the National Strategy for Intelligent Specialization (ENEI), as well as with 4 priority areas and respective topic of the North Intelligent Specialization Strategy (RIS3). Due to its characteristics, MARESye is particularly well positioned to be marketed in autonomous (AUV) or remotely controlled (ROV) underwater vehicles. This is a global market that is expected to growth 4.5% between 2017 and 2022 and where key players use patents to protect their technologies with the aim of securing positions of sustainable competitive advantage. The analysis presented herein supports this funding request for an international patent application (PCT) and its respective national validations in the major world markets in order to boost MARESye technology economic return and impact on the society.