Vast quantities of marine mineral resources around Japan are expected to exist, and the Japanese government has been working hard to estimate potential volumes. For exploration activities, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) provide an optimal solution to conducting high-resolution surveys over wide areas. Without cumbersome tether cables, they offer far greater stability for tracking the seafloor. Underwater robotics are also important in the subsequent mining phase and development projects are already underway for heavy-duty deep sea mining vehicles. The purpose of this two-part session is to share the latest technology trends and discuss future plans relating to underwater robotics in both exploration and deep sea mining. The first part will address ‘Deep Sea Mining’, namely the latest trends in mineral resource exploitation and the robotic technologies required for deep sea mining operations. The second part, addressing ‘Underwater Robotics’ will discuss the latest trends and future plans for exploration, especially in relation to AUVs.

※Please be aware that the contents of the program may be changed without notice.

• • Toshihiro Maki

  • 　Associate Professor, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

• • Takeshi Nakatani

  • 　Deputy Group Leader, Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering (MarE3), Engineering Department, Marine Robotics Engineering Group, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)

• • Ayumu Matsumoto

  • 　Senior Manager, Head of R&D Group, Civil Engineering Divisions Group, Vessel and Machinery Management Division, R&D Group, PENTA-OCEAN CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.

• • Tetsuji Yuasa

  • 　Fellow（Submarine & AUV Technology）, Ship＆Offshore Structure Business Division, Energy Solution & Marine Engineering , Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

• • Sean FOWLER

  • 　Ocean Infinity