FullDepth Utilizes Remote Control, Autonomous Navigation, and Underwater Measurement Tech in Demonstration Test for Unmanned Inspection of Offshore Wind Facilities Using AUVs
FullDepth and three other companies successfully conducted a demonstration test for unmanned underwater inspections of offshore wind power facilities using AUVs, proposing a roadmap for social implementation by 2030.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 56m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 22:46 (551h 50m after Collected)
FullDepth Co., Ltd. (President: Satoshi Yoshiga, hereinafter FullDepth), jointly with TOYO Engineering Corporation (President: Eiji Hosoi, hereinafter TOYO), Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd. (President: Yukito Ishiwa, hereinafter NSE), and Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (President: Takahiro Mori, hereinafter OKI), conducted a demonstration test aimed at un-manning underwater inspection tasks for offshore wind power facilities utilizing AUVs*1 (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and others.
The demonstration test was conducted by combining an ROV*2 (Remotely Operated Vehicle) equipped with FullDepth's remote control technology and autonomous navigation functions, an ASV*3 (Autonomous Surface Vehicle) owned by our partner company Eightknot Inc. (Location: Sakai City, Osaka; Representative: Hiroto Kimura), and an AUV owned by the Maki Laboratory*4 of the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, a joint research partner. Assuming the underwater inspection of floating offshore wind power facilities, the test took place on a barge owned by OKI.
Through this demonstration test, our company indicated the current status of underwater inspections for offshore wind power facilities utilizing AUVs, ROVs, and ASVs. Furthermore, we identified technical and operational issues for un-manning underwater inspections of these facilities using such equipment, and proposed concrete future prospects toward the social implementation of AUVs and others. This project was conducted after being selected for the 'Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Utilization Demonstration Project' by the Secretariat of Headquarters for Ocean Policy, Cabinet Office.
■ Overview of the Demonstration Test
In October 2025, a demonstration test combining ROVs, ASVs, and AUVs was conducted in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Inspection work utilizing video and sonar (sound wave detection) was performed on the underwater parts of the observation target*5. Through the demonstration test, technical and operational issues (inspection methods of the seabed, operational structure, etc.) toward the autonomization and un-manning of underwater inspection work for offshore wind power facilities were identified. For details of this demonstration test, please see this PR video.
PR Video for Demonstration Test: You can view the background of the demonstration test, how the test was conducted, the test results, etc.
■ Proposal of a Roadmap Toward AUV Social Implementation
Based on the issues revealed in the demonstration test, and with the aim of implementing underwater inspection work for offshore wind power facilities more efficiently and at lower costs, we examined the future vision of underwater inspection systems anticipated for 2030 and 2040. Specifically, we considered optimal deployment of marine robotics such as AUVs, including a system configuration that performs wide-area inspection work autonomously and unmanned by combining ASVs and AUVs. Additionally, we organized the milestones required for the early social implementation of AUVs by 2030, such as continuous technical development and verification, and the execution of long-term implementation tests, proposing this as a roadmap.
The demonstration test was conducted by combining an ROV*2 (Remotely Operated Vehicle) equipped with FullDepth's remote control technology and autonomous navigation functions, an ASV*3 (Autonomous Surface Vehicle) owned by our partner company Eightknot Inc. (Location: Sakai City, Osaka; Representative: Hiroto Kimura), and an AUV owned by the Maki Laboratory*4 of the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, a joint research partner. Assuming the underwater inspection of floating offshore wind power facilities, the test took place on a barge owned by OKI.
Through this demonstration test, our company indicated the current status of underwater inspections for offshore wind power facilities utilizing AUVs, ROVs, and ASVs. Furthermore, we identified technical and operational issues for un-manning underwater inspections of these facilities using such equipment, and proposed concrete future prospects toward the social implementation of AUVs and others. This project was conducted after being selected for the 'Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Utilization Demonstration Project' by the Secretariat of Headquarters for Ocean Policy, Cabinet Office.
■ Overview of the Demonstration Test
In October 2025, a demonstration test combining ROVs, ASVs, and AUVs was conducted in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Inspection work utilizing video and sonar (sound wave detection) was performed on the underwater parts of the observation target*5. Through the demonstration test, technical and operational issues (inspection methods of the seabed, operational structure, etc.) toward the autonomization and un-manning of underwater inspection work for offshore wind power facilities were identified. For details of this demonstration test, please see this PR video.
PR Video for Demonstration Test: You can view the background of the demonstration test, how the test was conducted, the test results, etc.
■ Proposal of a Roadmap Toward AUV Social Implementation
Based on the issues revealed in the demonstration test, and with the aim of implementing underwater inspection work for offshore wind power facilities more efficiently and at lower costs, we examined the future vision of underwater inspection systems anticipated for 2030 and 2040. Specifically, we considered optimal deployment of marine robotics such as AUVs, including a system configuration that performs wide-area inspection work autonomously and unmanned by combining ASVs and AUVs. Additionally, we organized the milestones required for the early social implementation of AUVs by 2030, such as continuous technical development and verification, and the execution of long-term implementation tests, proposing this as a roadmap.