The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has launched VDARE, a pioneering virtual simulation platform that replicates real-world offshore wind environments, to accelerate the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems.
Designed to mimic dynamic marine conditions, VDARE allows developers to test and validate robotics across floating platforms, fixed turbines, and harbour operations.
The platform integrates real environmental data such as wind speed, wave height and multi-robot communications, offering an accurate virtual testing ground.
“VDARE has the potential to be a game changer,” said Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy, Director of Research at ORE Catapult. “It helps innovative robotics progress faster to commercial deployment and overcome key sector challenges.”
Developed at ORE Catapult’s DARE Centre in Blyth, VDARE forms the first phase of a wider validation programme, enabling developers to move from concept to deployment.
The project received funding from Innovate UK’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund and the Net Zero Technology Centre’s OLTER programme.
VDARE is expected to play a central role in scaling low-intervention, robotics-led offshore wind maintenance operations.
New virtual platform to test wind robotics appeared first on Energy Live News.