A small remotely operated vehicle (ROV) cut the ribbon Tuesday, as the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University officially opened its $440,000 Underwater Exploration Laboratory, which houses state-of the-art simulation software and equipment. The lab is used by the School of Ocean Technology to enhance the education of students in the field of subsea robotics and to assist in ocean mapping research.
In the underwater exploration lab, students learn to pilot ROVs and hone their skills in executing complex underwater tasks in a safe environment – training with the same technology used by industry.
Researchers also use the lab to visualize data in high-fidelity, including a team led by the Marine Institute’s Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping, Dr. Katleen Robert, who heads the 4D OCEANS Lab focused on mapping the spatial complexity of the ocean from the seafloor to surface.
The underwater exploration lab’s virtual remotely operated vehicle (VROV) technology was provided by one of the Marine Institute’s industry partners, GRi Simulations Inc. Based in Mount Pearl, GRi provides high-fidelity solutions for critical marine operations – from real-time visualization to integrated engineering technologies – to enhance the safety, security and productivity of marine systems and operations.
Key features of the underwater exploration lab include integrated pilot stations, launch and recovery simulators, dual simulator capability and enhanced manipulator control functionality.
The development of this lab was made possible with investments from:
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which contributed $77,495;
- The Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, which contributed $77,495;
- The Fisheries and Marine Institute, which contributed $283,707.
Attending Tuesday’s official opening were: the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education; the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada; Russell Pelley, President and CEO of GRi Simulations Inc.; Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University; Glenn Blackwood, Vice-President of Memorial University (Marine Institute); Dr. Rob Shea, Associate Vice-President (Academic); and Paul Brett, head of the School of Ocean Technology, Marine Institute.
Quotes
“There is no doubt that the Marine Institute, through partnerships with industry, is at the center of innovation and technology in the ocean industry sector. It is creating tremendous opportunities for our students, for industry, for our province, and for Canada overall. I encourage all industries to explore opportunities for such impressive partnerships with our post-secondary institutions.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education
“Technology is a driver of growth across all sectors in our province – including marine training. The new Underwater Exploration Lab at the Marine Institute will help to produce highly skilled graduates who are taking their ideas and running with them, creating local jobs and advancing ocean technology globally.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We’re delighted to support the Marine Institute’s Underwater Exploration Laboratory, and we commend everyone involved for their leadership in advancing our province’s ocean technology training capabilities. This world-class facility will enable students to gain valuable skills in ROV technology and prepare them for exciting career opportunities in the ocean technology sector, as well as support the growth of our ocean-related industries.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The underwater exploration lab enables MI to keep pace with advancing technology used in the field of subsea robotics, ensures our students will be well-prepared to participate in this industry and supports the continuing development of the region’s ocean technology sector. We sincerely thank our government and industry partners for making this state-of-the-art simulation facility a reality.”
Glenn Blackwood
Vice-president of Memorial University (Marine Institute)
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