Beneath the surface – how autonomous drones are changing ocean industries
How are underwater drones used today and in the future? Even Vestby Toft, member of Sub-Horizon and board member of the Professional Network for Drone Technology, takes you under the surface.
Underwater drones are becoming a key tool in ocean industries. They can do jobs that are too dangerous, too deep or too expensive for humans – and more and more of them are operating on their own.
In this lecture, the course instructor talks about how underwater drones are used today, and how they can be used in the future. Then he takes you into the work with the student association Sub-Horizon's drones, which he himself is involved in building.
The lecture covers:
- What an underwater drone is, and what distinguishes autonomous drones from remote-controlled ones
- How underwater drones are used today and could be used in the future
- Sub-Horizon: how a student team at NTNU Ålesund designs and builds autonomous maritime drones
- The road from third place in TAC Challenge 2024 to victory in TAC Challenge 2026
Why underwater drones?
Norway is a maritime nation. Oil and gas, offshore wind, aquaculture and shipping are all dependent on us being able to monitor and maintain what happens below the surface. Underwater drones and autonomous systems are becoming an increasingly important part of this toolbox – and this is technology where Norwegian engineers and technologists have a lot to contribute.
Even Vestby Toft
Even Vestby Toft is a member of Sub-Horizon and is involved in building the organization's underwater drones. He is also on the board of the Professional Network for Drone Technology for the period 2026–2028.
The lecture is suitable for all members – both those who work with maritime technology and those who are just curious about what happens below the sea surface.
NITO also has its own professional network for drone technology.
Additional Information
Price
In this course, you only cover travel costs and any accommodation for the course instructor, in addition to capability-based catering and premises.
Duration
This course lasts for 1 hour and there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
Ordering
Please contact your advisor to book this course.