Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course on Robotics Projects Applied to the Ocean
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of marine exploration and conservation through robotics. Learn to design, build, and program remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to tackle…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Robotics Projects Applied to the Ocean?
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of marine exploration and conservation through robotics. Learn to design, build, and program remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to tackle real-world challenges in ocean environments. From inspecting underwater infrastructure to monitoring marine life, this program provides you with the skills needed to innovate in ocean engineering. This course addresses this scenario with a combination of theory and practice, end-to-end project planning, underwater sensors and actuators, and advanced programming, with assessment based on real-world projects.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Projects: Construction and testing of ROVs and AUVs in simulated and real environments.
- Cutting-edge Tools: Use of simulation and design software, 3D printing, and marine electronics.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Teamwork with experts in marine biology, oceanography, and engineering.
- In-depth Knowledge: Understanding the challenges and opportunities of robotics in the ocean.
- Flexibility: Online format with synchronous sessions and the option of practical training in specialized laboratories.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Explore the future of the ocean: Immerse yourself in the world of marine robotics and learn to design innovative solutions for exploration and conservation.
- Master the key tools: Acquire practical skills in the construction, programming, and operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
- Apply your knowledge: Develop real-world projects focused on challenges such as environmental monitoring, underwater infrastructure inspection, and scientific research.
- Connect with experts: Learn from leading professionals in the field and make valuable contacts for your career.
- Boost your professional profile: Stand out in a constantly growing job market and contribute to the sustainable development of the oceans.
- Apply your knowledge in innovative projects and contributes to the exploration and conservation of the marine world.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Marine Robotics and Definition of Mission Requirements for Scientific, Industrial and Safety Operations
- Panorama of oceanic platforms: ROV, AUV, USV, gliders and hybrid systems according to depth, autonomy and payload
- Marine environment as design conditioning: pressure, corrosion, biofouling, turbidity, salinity and energy limitations
- Mission formulation: objectives, operational scenarios, success criteria, safety restrictions and operating limits
- System requirements engineering: performance, reliability, maintainability, interoperability and technical traceability
- High-level functional architecture: subsystems, interfaces, redundancies and degraded modes oriented to mission continuity
02
Mechanical design, structures, propulsion and sealing systems for submarine and surface platforms
- Structural design for pressure and fatigue: fairings, hulls, joints, tolerances and resistance criteria in depth
- Material selection and anti-corrosive protection: alloys, polymers, composites, coatings and galvanic compatibility
- Sealing systems: seals, glands, wet/dry connectors, leak tests and mitigation strategies
- Propulsion and manoeuvreability: thrusters, propellers, rudders, vector control and configuration according to mission and energy available
- Integration of actuators and payload: mounts, vibration insulation, centre of mass/push and vehicle stability
03
Oceanic sensory, underwater navigation and perception of the environment with multi-source data fusion
- Navigation Sensors: IMU, DVL, Depth Meter, GNSS (Surface), Compass and Accumulated Error Management
- Applied acoustics: USBL/LBL/SBL, transponders, position estimation and limitations by noise and propagation
- Perception and mapping: multi-beam sonar, Sidescan, altimeter, optical/thermal cameras and real visibility conditions
- Data fusion and status estimation: probabilistic filters, time alignment, consistency and anomaly detection
- Map construction and location: acoustic/visual slam, terrain models, uncertainty and cross validation
04
Control, autonomy, trajectory planning and robotic behaviours for robust ocean missions
- Simplified Dynamic Modelling: Relevant Degrees of Freedom, Current Disturbances, and Operational Compensation
- Low level control: stabilisation, depth, heading, speed and adaptive control in the face of changing conditions
- Autonomy architectures: state machine, behaviours, hierarchical planning and human supervision
- Path planning: coverage, contour tracking, obstacle avoidance and energy restrictions
- Multi-robot coordination and cooperative operations: Task sharing, training, synchronisation and intermittent communication
05
Project Engineering, Sea Validation, Operational Compliance and Capstone Project of Ocean Robotics
- Comprehensive project management: scope, schedule, costs, acquisitions, suppliers and change control
- Trials, verification and validation: V&V plans, acceptance criteria, integration tests and technical evidence
- Operational safety at sea: risk assessment, permits, roles, communications and emergency protocols
- Mission data management: Pipeline, QA/QC, metadata, reproducibility and technical reporting for clients/authorities
- Capstone Project I: Complete system design (mission, architecture, subsystems, risks, KPIs, and test plan)
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Engineering, oceanography, and marine science students who wish to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in ocean exploration and monitoring.Maritime, energy, and aquaculture professionals interested in automating processes, improving efficiency, and reducing costs through robotic solutions.Researchers and scientists seeking advanced tools for data collection, ecosystem obs
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Develop robotic prototypes for marine environmental monitoring
- 02Implementing autonomous navigation systems for underwater robots
- 03Designing robotic arms with selective sampling capabilities in complex marine environments
- 04Building efficient and durable underwater charging stations
- 05Creating robots capable of identifying and neutralizing microplastics in water
- 06Develop robots capable of performing high-resolution three-dimensional mapping of coral reefs
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Underwater Robot Design and Development Engineer: Creation and improvement of robots for ocean exploration, maintenance, and monitoring.
02Underwater Robot Maintenance and Repair Technician: Diagnosis, repair, and performance optimization of robots in marine environments.
03Underwater Robot (ROV/AUV) Operator: Control and operation of robots for inspections, sampling, and specific underwater tasks.
04Marine Robotics Researcher: Development of new robotic technologies and applications for ocean research and marine conservation.
05Ocean Robotics Project Consultant: Technical and strategic advice for companies, institutions, and projects related to marine robotics.
06Underwater Robotics Project Manager: Planning, coordination, and supervision of robotics projects applied to the ocean, ensuring Meeting objectives and deadlines.
07Specialist in sensors and control systems for marine robotics: Development and integration of sensors and control systems to improve the autonomy and capabilities of underwater robots.
08Entrepreneur in the ocean robotics sector: Creation of innovative companies that offer robotic solutions for the exploration, conservation, and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The ocean.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Pollution monitoring, inspection of underwater infrastructure, study of marine biodiversity and mapping of the ocean floor.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in Robotics, Ocean Engineering, Computer Engineering, Marine Biology, or a related field; or demonstrable experience in robotics, programming, electronics, or marine fieldwork.Technical Competence:Basic knowledge of programming (Python, C++), electronics, embedded systems, robot control, sensors, and actuators. Familiarity with Linux/ROS operating systems (desirable).Specific knowledge (desirable):Experience in the design and construction of underwater robots (ROVs, AUVs), knowledge of hydrodynamics, underwater
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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