Unlocking the power of robotics and automation

Dr Pooja Mahapatra, principal advisor for climate & nature at Fugro, explores the transformative impact of geodata on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. In this interview, she highlights Fugro’s advancements in ocean mapping, autonomous technologies and AI-driven solutions that are shaping the future of the geospatial industry. With a background in satellite earth observation, Dr Mahapatra shares her vision for harnessing technology to meet global challenges and Fugro’s commitment to a more sustainable, data-driven future.

Fugro has been a leading supporter of The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project since its early planning stages. With only 25% of the world’s oceans mapped, do you believe the 2030 deadline is still feasible, and what further steps are necessary to make significant strides?

There has been great progress to date, not just in coverage – which stood at 6% when the project started – but also in awareness. Bathymetry is fundamental to understanding our ocean and safeguarding the planet. That message is catching on, as evidenced through an increase in project partners, data contributions and crowdsourced bathymetry initiatives.

Having said that, completion by 2030 is extremely ambitious, but feasible with technology such as uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and remote operations, as well as accelerated commitment and support from governments, the private sector and philanthropic organizations.

We are continuing to push forward on the private sector side. In addition to Fugro vessels contributing more than 2.6 million square kilometres of bathymetry while transiting between projects, we are also co-chairing a working group with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to increase private sector data sharing. This working group is connected to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Capturing the physical environment in high precision generates a vast amount of data. What advancements do you foresee in managing and utilizing this data effectively?

Whether it is bathymetry, geospatial or metocean data, several tech innovations are helping to speed up the acquisition, analysis and delivery of this data to where it is needed. One of these has been around the improved connectivity and bandwidth linking vessels at sea with teams onshore. Large volumes of data can now be rapidly transferred to Fugro’s global network of remote operations centres (ROCs) for processing and analysis, rather than waiting for a vessel to return to port before this data is shared.

More digitalized processes to manage in real time the progress of data through the workflows involved in data collection is also helping to deliver the insights that clients need for projects more quickly. Being able to move more roles from offshore to onshore positions in ROCs is also allowing the industry to attract and retain a more diverse workforce – not just those willing to work offshore for around 180 days a year.

Finally, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and cloud technologies are crucial for managing and utilizing the vast data generated from high-precision environmental capture. AI and ML can automate data processing and provide advanced, real-time analytics, uncovering patterns and making predictions. Cloud platforms offer scalable storage and powerful on-demand computing, enabling global accessibility and collaboration. Integrating edge computing allows for local data processing, reducing latency and bandwidth needs. AI-driven data management enhances organization, security and compliance, while intuitive dashboards and immersive visualization tools improve user interaction and decision-making, leading to better outcomes in applications such as smart cities and environmental monitoring.

How is Fugro integrating remote and autonomous technologies in its surveying practices to shape the future of the industry?

USVs with an electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV) onboard, controlled remotely by an onshore operative, play an important role in the future of the maritime sector. The eROV functions in water depths as deep as 450 metres and both systems can spend up to two weeks conducting offshore inspections without the need to be refuelled. This makes them increasingly suitable to carry out many of the duties and projects that would traditionally be tackled by conventional large and fuel-heavy survey vessels staffed by an extensive crew.

By eliminating the need to deploy crew in sometimes unpredictable and harsh marine environments, as well as being significantly more fuel-efficient and hence causing considerably lower emissions, these remote vessels will help Fugro to reach our net zero carbon emission operations (scope 1 and scope 2) by 2035 ambitions. Their ability to deliver early insights and real-time results more quickly, meanwhile, helps meet the increasingly tight turnarounds and targets that clients are facing with projects.

Some argue that USVs and marine autonomy are limited to safe areas away from hazards. How does Fugro address this concern?

Marine law has been centuries in the making, and the prospect of autonomous vessels represents a huge shift in the foundation of how these regulations are drafted and applied. A vast array of overlapping regulations and territory-specific legalities means that it can take years to introduce and amend legislation.

As that work continues around the world, many authorities have implemented interim policies which can include things such as restricted operational areas or mandating the presence of guard vessels. Companies such as Fugro continue to engage with marine authorities to make progress – and to give one example, the latest Blue Essence autonomous vessel earned Category 0 approval from the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, the highest level of approval for autonomous vessels. This allows unrestricted access to UK waters for fully remote operations, and as the number of successful projects, use cases and proof points continues to grow, no doubt we will see similar legislative progress made in other territories around the world.

AI is becoming an integrated part of surveying. How is Fugro leveraging AI technologies in its operations?

AI holds a great deal of potential for our operations, including surveying work. A good example is Sense.Lidar, which integrates AI, ML and cloud processing to classify Lidar point clouds rapidly and accurately. This technology enhances the quality and speed of data classification, reducing costs and improving decision-making capabilities. By using AI for automatic classification, we provide highly detailed and accurate geospatial data, enabling better management and analysis of natural and built environments for applications such as urban planning, flood risk management and infrastructure monitoring.

Fugro and its partners are also leveraging AI to detect biodiversity from underwater images by utilizing machine learning algorithms to analyse visual data collected by underwater cameras and ROVs. These AI-driven systems can identify and classify various marine species, monitor habitats and assess biodiversity with high accuracy and efficiency. This automated approach supports marine conservation efforts and our clients’ biodiversity net positive ambitions by providing detailed insights into the health and diversity of aquatic ecosystems.

As someone with a background in electrical engineering and satellite earth observation, how do these areas of expertise assist you in your role as principal advisor – climate & nature at Fugro?

Electrical engineering has equipped me with a solid foundation in technical problem-solving and a deep understanding of remote sensing technologies, which are essential for analysing environmental data. My experience in satellite earth observation, particularly through my PhD, allows me to harness advanced geodata techniques to monitor and assess climate impacts and biodiversity.

Working at the intersection of geodata and environmental stewardship, I apply these technical skills to develop innovative solutions for climate resilience and nature conservation. This involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to capture high-precision environmental data, which is critical for projects in the domains of coastal resilience, ocean health and inland water management. My experience enables me to provide the most fit-for-purpose solutions for our clients, facilitating data-driven decision-making in the face of environmental challenges.

At Fugro, I am fortunate to bring together my passion for technology and desire to contribute to our planet’s well-being. My role allows me to integrate advanced geodata methods with practical applications, creating solutions that address climate change and biodiversity loss, ultimately making a tangible impact on the world.

As a proud supporter of diversity, inclusion and women in STEM, what is the current state of the geospatial industry, particularly in the hydrographic sector and adjacent fields?

With roots in naval research, some historic assumptions about hydrography persist; namely that it is men that will be deployed on these kinds of projects. The reality is however that women have worked in this field for hundreds of years. Progress has been made around encouraging women to enter hydrography as a career – but work still needs to be done to ensure that the onboard vessel experience is inclusive, even down to things as basic as making sure everyone on board has personal protection equipment and clothing in their size.

At the other end of the spectrum, for those entering the workforce, often half the battle is being aware of what’s out there – so the industry must continue to engage with those right at the start of their careers and open up opportunities for their workforce to share their stories and serve as role models.

There is thankfully a growing effort to create more inclusive environments and opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Fugro and other organizations are implementing policies and initiatives to foster diversity, such as mentorship programmes, inclusive hiring practices and professional development opportunities. This shift is not only improving the workplace culture but also driving innovation and enhancing the industry’s ability to address complex global challenges effectively.

The shortage of skilled young professionals is a concern in the geospatial and hydrographic sector. What strategies do you believe can address this issue?

One of the main ways in which we at Fugro are addressing the ongoing talent shortage challenge is by harnessing the impact of remote and autonomous operations. By being able to shift more of our day-to-day work onshore to an ROC, we can offer a better work-life balance from a traditional vessel-based operation where you could be deployed at sea for weeks at a time. It is this that we think will help drive the next generation of professionals to this sector.

As more advanced automated systems and robotics are deployed, Fugro has a programme for up-skilling and re-skilling people so that they can adapt to this shift. The process diversifies the workforce, because you need people skilled in the marine environment in terms of the inspection techniques but also in IT and remote software development.

Fugro has been involved in the development of renewable energy projects globally. What is your vision for the zero-emission energy sector, and how does Fugro contribute to it?

To reach the ambitious targets that governments across the region have set around clean energy capacity, the sector will need to focus much more on the speed at which it can develop projects and gain the necessary consents and investment.

It will require closer collaboration and data sharing between the various players in the supply chain to reduce offshore wind’s levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Fugro’s role in this is in improving the quality and speed of the data available on the natural environment of a proposed site – and delivering confidence and reassurance to investors that a project is viable in the process. Reducing risk is the name of the game – and Fugro’s deep geodata insights and capabilities have a big part to play in this.

How is Fugro actively working to reduce its own carbon footprint in line with sustainability goals?

Fugro recognizes that companies play an important role in the required reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Already in 2019, Fugro started to set ambitious emission reduction targets for our scope 1 and 2 emissions. This resulted in Fugro announcing in early 2021 its target to become net zero by 2035, covering all direct and indirect emissions from its operations (scope 1 and scope 2).

To support this and demonstrate our corporate responsibility, Fugro committed to setting science-based targets for its absolute GHG emission reduction. Science-based targets provide companies such as Fugro with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals and aligned with the latest scientific consensus on the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In early 2024, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated Fugro’s science-based net zero emission reduction targets covering all scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

For our marine vessel fleet, this will be achieved through a combination of more efficient modes of operation and battery hybrid or green methanol power conversions, as well as switching to deployments of smaller USVs with significantly lower energy demands.

In what perhaps unexpected ways do you foresee geospatial and hydrospatial data being utilized to address societal challenges?

An increasing problem for many island nations around the world is coastal resilience, particularly in the face of climate change and environmental threats. Joined-up data is needed to monitor and measure these challenges that threaten coastal communities, as well as support the use cases for nature-positive investments.

To give one example, Fugro has partnered with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) to help address these issues, alongside supporting the Coastal Risk Index (CRI) with our coastal and oceanographic data. The CRI is an open source platform providing flood maps and data to help policymakers, insurers and investors to make informed decisions about their risk and resilience strategies.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience regarding Fugro’s initiatives or the future of the industry?

Fugro is deeply committed to sustainability and climate resilience, leveraging its extensive geodata expertise to mitigate climate change risks and support ecosystem preservation. A prime example is the groundbreaking seagrass mapping project around Italy, which aims to restore vital marine ecosystems. This project highlights the importance of detailed environmental data in driving effective restoration efforts and supporting biodiversity.

Additionally, Fugro’s involvement in global ocean science initiatives emphasizes the critical need for data sharing between the private and public sectors to enhance our understanding of the ocean’s health. By focusing on key areas such as coastal resilience, ocean health and inland water management, Fugro is not only expanding its business but also making a valuable contribution to global sustainability goals. This strategic direction aligns with increasing investments from governments and international institutes aimed at adapting to climate change and protecting natural environments. Fugro’s holistic approach, combining advanced mapping, modelling and monitoring techniques, ensures that both natural and built environments benefit from its innovative solutions, driving nature-inclusive development and safeguarding our planet for future generations.