Underwater Robot Programming Course
Why this course?
The Underwater Robot Programming Course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater robotics. Learn to design, build, and program ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) robots for underwater exploration, inspection, and maintenance. Master control, navigation, and manipulation in challenging environments, from basic programming to implementing autonomous systems. Acquire practical skills and become an expert at the forefront of underwater technology.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Projects: Construction and programming of functional ROVs.
- Advanced Simulation: Experimentation in realistic virtual environments.
- Control and Navigation: Precise and efficient underwater handling.
- Sensors and Actuators: Integration of technologies for complex tasks.
- Real-World Applications: Underwater exploration, inspection, and maintenance.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 24-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Engineering, robotics, or marine science students who want to specialize in the design and control of underwater robots.
- Engineers and technicians looking to develop or improve their skills in programming and operating ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles).
- Researchers and scientists who need advanced robotic tools for exploring and studying the underwater environment.
- Offshore industry professionals looking to implement robotic solutions for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing underwater infrastructure.
- Robotics and marine exploration enthusiasts who want to build and program their own underwater robots.
Learning flexibility Adapted to your pace: 24/7 accessible online classes, practical projects with personalized feedback, and a forum discussion to resolve your doubts.
Objectives and competencies
Develop robust control algorithms for autonomous navigation:
Implement adaptive predictive control (MPC) techniques, combining redundant sensor data and dynamic environmental models to optimize trajectory and maintain stability in the face of external disturbances.
Implement efficient perception systems for the detection and classification of underwater objects:
“Integrating image processing and sonar techniques, optimizing parameters for different environmental conditions and types of objects.”
Design intuitive human-machine interfaces for remote control and monitoring of robots.
“Considering human factors, usability principles, and optimizing the visualization of relevant data in real time.”
Integrate and test efficient energy systems to extend the robot's autonomy:
Implement adaptive energy management algorithms that optimize consumption in real time according to workload and environmental conditions, including comprehensive stress testing and failure simulation to validate system robustness.
Create precise robotic manipulation strategies for interaction with the underwater environment:
Implement predictive control algorithms and machine vision for autonomous navigation and adaptive object gripping, considering ocean currents and limited visibility.
Adapting the robot to hostile environments:
“Implement cooling/heating and sealing systems to protect the robot’s electronics and mechanics from extreme temperatures, dust, humidity, and corrosion.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Current State, and Future.
- ROVs and AUVs: Types, Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages.
- Structural Design: Materials, Hydrodynamics, and Pressure Resistance.
- Propulsion Systems: Propellers, Thrusters, Vector Control, and Efficiency.
- Electronics and Communications: Tethered Cable, Acoustics, Fiber Optics, and Batteries.
- Sensors and Perception: Cameras, Sonar, IMU, GPS, and Machine Vision Systems.
- Control and Navigation: PID, Adaptive Control, SLAM, and Route Planning.
- Energy and Autonomy: Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Recharging Systems.
- Applications in the industry: Inspection, maintenance, research, and rescue.
Regulations and safety in underwater operations.
‘
- Introduction to ROVs: History, types, and applications in the underwater industry.
- Main components of an ROV: Structure, propulsion, power systems, communication, and sensors.
- Navigation and positioning systems: DVL, USBL, acoustic GPS, compasses, and inertial sensors.
- Cameras and vision systems: Types of cameras, lighting, image and video manipulation.
- Manipulators and tools: Types of manipulators, hydraulic, electric, and cutting tools.
- Umbilical cable: Design, materials, management, and maintenance.
- Surface control station: User interface, control software, and display systems.
- Underwater communications: Transmission Data, video, and control transmission via the umbilical cable.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Procedures, checklists, and troubleshooting common problems.
- Safety in ROV operations: Emergency procedures, risks, and best practices.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges
- Fundamentals of Hydrodynamics: Buoyancy, Stability, Drag, and Propulsion
- Control Systems: Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Control, PID, Stability, and Response
- Underwater Navigation: Position and Orientation Sensors (IMU, DVL, USBL, Acoustic GPS)
- Underwater Actuators: Motors, Propellers, Torpedoes, Manipulators, and Tools
- Underwater Communications: Acoustics, Optics, and Electromagnetism (Limitations and Solutions)
- Power and Energy: Batteries, Umbilicals, Autonomous Systems, and Energy Management
- Structure and Materials: Structural Design, Materials Resistant to pressure, corrosion, and biofouling
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Inspection, diagnosis, and repair of ROVs and AUVs
Safety and Regulations: Safety procedures, standards, and regulations for underwater operations
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges.
- Underwater Sensors: Types, Operation, Calibration, and Data Processing (IMU, Pressure, Sonar, Cameras).
- Underwater Actuators: Motors, Thrusters, Manipulators, and Hydraulic Systems.
- Underwater Communication: Acoustics, Optical Communication, and Tethered Communication.
- ROV Control: Control architectures, PID, adaptive control, and robust control.
- ROV Programming: Development environments, programming languages āā(ROS, Python), simulation.
- Underwater Navigation and Localization: SLAM, DVL, USBL, INS, and sensor fusion.
- Underwater Machine Vision: Image processing, object detection, visual tracking.
- ROV Autonomy: Trajectory planning, decision-making, and autonomous control.
- Environmental Considerations and Safety in Underwater Operations.
Limitations and Solutions.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĆ³dulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Current State, and Future.
- ROVs and AUVs: Types, Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages.
- Structural Design: Materials, Hydrodynamics, and Pressure Resistance.
- Propulsion Systems: Propellers, Thrusters, Vector Control, and Efficiency.
- Electronics and Communications: Tethered Cable, Acoustics, Fiber Optics, and Batteries.
- Sensors and Perception: Cameras, Sonar, IMU, GPS, and Machine Vision Systems.
- Control and Navigation: PID, Adaptive Control, SLAM, and Route Planning.
- Energy and Autonomy: Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Recharging Systems.
- Applications in the industry: Inspection, maintenance, research, and rescue.
Regulations and safety in underwater operations.
‘
- Introduction to ROVs: History, types, and applications in the underwater industry.
- Main components of an ROV: Structure, propulsion, power systems, communication, and sensors.
- Navigation and positioning systems: DVL, USBL, acoustic GPS, compasses, and inertial sensors.
- Cameras and vision systems: Types of cameras, lighting, image and video manipulation.
- Manipulators and tools: Types of manipulators, hydraulic, electric, and cutting tools.
- Umbilical cable: Design, materials, management, and maintenance.
- Surface control station: User interface, control software, and display systems.
- Underwater communications: Transmission Data, video, and control transmission via the umbilical cable.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Procedures, checklists, and troubleshooting common problems.
- Safety in ROV operations: Emergency procedures, risks, and best practices.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges
- Fundamentals of Hydrodynamics: Buoyancy, Stability, Drag, and Propulsion
- Control Systems: Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Control, PID, Stability, and Response
- Underwater Navigation: Position and Orientation Sensors (IMU, DVL, USBL, Acoustic GPS)
- Underwater Actuators: Motors, Propellers, Torpedoes, Manipulators, and Tools
- Underwater Communications: Acoustics, Optics, and Electromagnetism (Limitations and Solutions)
- Power and Energy: Batteries, Umbilicals, Autonomous Systems, and Energy Management
- Structure and Materials: Structural Design, Materials Resistant to pressure, corrosion, and biofouling
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Inspection, diagnosis, and repair of ROVs and AUVs
Safety and Regulations: Safety procedures, standards, and regulations for underwater operations
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges.
- Underwater Sensors: Types, Operation, Calibration, and Data Processing (IMU, Pressure, Sonar, Cameras).
- Underwater Actuators: Motors, Thrusters, Manipulators, and Hydraulic Systems.
- Underwater Communication: Acoustics, Optical Communication, and Tethered Communication.
- ROV Control: Control architectures, PID, adaptive control, and robust control.
- ROV Programming: Development environments, programming languages āā(ROS, Python), simulation.
- Underwater Navigation and Localization: SLAM, DVL, USBL, INS, and sensor fusion.
- Underwater Machine Vision: Image processing, object detection, visual tracking.
- ROV Autonomy: Trajectory planning, decision-making, and autonomous control.
- Environmental Considerations and Safety in Underwater Operations.
Limitations and Solutions.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges
- Fundamentals of Hydrodynamics: Buoyancy, Drag, and Stability
- Materials and Structures: Selection and Design for Marine Environments
- Propulsion Systems: Types of Propellers, Performance, and Control
- Power Systems: Batteries, Umbilicals, and Power Management
- Underwater Sensors: Cameras, Sonar, Pressure, Temperature, and Chemical Sensors
- Underwater Communications: Acoustic, Optical, and Wired Communications
- Control Systems: Architectures, PID Controllers, and Fuzzy Logic
- Programming of ROVs: Languages, simulation and deployment.
- Underwater Navigation: Positioning, mapping and autonomy.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges
- ROV Design: Types, Main Components, Selection Criteria
- Basic Hydrodynamics: Buoyancy, Drag, Stability, and Forces
- Materials and Construction: Selection of Corrosion- and Pressure-Resistant Materials
- Propulsion Systems: Types of Propellers, Configuration, and Control
- Sensors and Actuators: Cameras, Sonars, Manipulators, Position Sensors
- Underwater Communications: Cables, Acoustics, Limitations, and Solutions
- Control Systems: Architectures, Hardware, Software, and Algorithms
- ROV Programming: Development Environments, Languages, and Examples practical
- Maintenance and Operation: Procedures, Safety, and Best Practices
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Robotics: History, Applications, and Challenges
- Hydrodynamics Applied to ROVs: Drag Forces, Buoyancy, and Stability
- Underwater Materials and Structures: Selection, Properties, and Corrosion Resistance
- Mechanical Design of ROVs: Propulsion, Actuators, and Grip Systems
- Underwater Sensors: Cameras, Sonar, IMU, Acoustic GPS, and Environmental Sensors
- Communication and Power Systems: Umbilical Cables, Power Sources, and Telemetry
- ROV Control: Control Architectures, PID, Adaptive Control, and Robust Control
- Advanced Programming for ROVs: ROS, Python, C++, and Specific Libraries
- Navigation and underwater mapping: SLAM, visual odometry, and route planning.
Simulation and testing in a virtual environment: Gazebo, ROS, and algorithm validation.
‘
- Introduction to ROVs: History, types, and applications in the underwater industry.
- Essential components of an ROV: Structure, propulsion system, umbilical, and power source.
- Sensors and tools: Cameras, sonar, manipulators, and other inspection and operating devices.
- Control systems: Architecture, software, user interface, and telemetry.
- Underwater communication and navigation: Acoustic systems, underwater GPS, and positioning.
- Electrical and electronics: Wiring, underwater connectors, and corrosion protection.
- Hydraulics and pneumatics: Operation of hydraulic systems in ROVs and maintenance.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Inspections, lubrication, and component replacement.
Safe Operation: Emergency procedures, risk management, and safety regulations.
Simulation Practices: Training in ROV control and operation in virtual environments.
‘
Career opportunities
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Operator: Inspection, maintenance, and repair of underwater infrastructure (oil platforms, offshore wind farms, pipelines).
- ROV Maintenance Technician: Repair and preventive maintenance of ROV systems, including electronics, hydraulics, and mechanics.
- ROV Control Systems Programmer: Development and optimization of software for ROV control, including autonomous navigation and machine vision systems.
- ROV Design Engineer: Design and development of new ROVs and components, considering factors such as performance, reliability, and cost.
- Underwater Robotics Researcher: Development of new technologies and applications for ROVs in scientific research, ocean exploration, and underwater archaeology.
- Underwater Inspector: Utilization
- Operation of ROVs to inspect underwater structures, collecting visual and sensor data to assess their condition and detect potential problems.
- Marine Renewable Energy Technician: Installation, maintenance, and repair of marine renewable energy infrastructure using ROVs.
- Underwater Salvage and Rescue Specialist: Use of ROVs in underwater search and rescue operations, as well as in the recovery of objects and vessels.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ā„ 24ā monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Fundamentals of Underwater Robotics: Learn the key principles of robot design, mechanics, and electronics for marine environments.
- Advanced Programming: Master the control of underwater robots using languages āāsuch as Python and ROS, adapted for navigation and manipulation at depth.
- Sensors and Perception: Integrate and calibrate pressure, vision, and sonar sensors for underwater environmental perception and autonomous decision-making.
- Simulation and Testing: Develop skills in underwater robot simulation to test algorithms and optimize performance before actual deployment.
- Practical Applications: Explore case studies in infrastructure inspection, oceanographic research, and underwater rescue.
Testimonials
I successfully programmed an underwater robot to autonomously navigate a complex obstacle course, including identifying and collecting specific objects, exceeding the instructor’s target time by 20%. This demonstrates my ability to apply robotic programming principles in a challenging underwater environment.
I applied the knowledge I gained in the Robotics and Underwater Technology course to develop an autonomous navigation system for an ROV used to inspect oil platforms. This system, based on machine vision and advanced control algorithms I learned during the training, reduced inspection time by 30% and increased the accuracy of the collected data, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
I successfully developed an autonomous navigation algorithm for an ROV that enabled the exploration of a coral reef at a depth of 50 meters, avoiding collisions with the environment and collecting high-quality visual data for later analysis. The algorithm exceeded expectations in accuracy and efficiency, reducing exploration time by 30% compared to traditional methods.
I managed to optimize the navigation algorithm of an ROV for oil platform inspection, reducing inspection time by 15% and increasing data collection accuracy by 8%, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
Frequently asked questions
Aquatic environments, including oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers.
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.
C++, Python, Java and MATLAB.
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 (3ā6 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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to ROVs: History, types, and applications in the underwater industry.
- Essential components of an ROV: Structure, propulsion system, umbilical, and power source.
- Sensors and tools: Cameras, sonar, manipulators, and other inspection and operating devices.
- Control systems: Architecture, software, user interface, and telemetry.
- Underwater communication and navigation: Acoustic systems, underwater GPS, and positioning.
- Electrical and electronics: Wiring, underwater connectors, and corrosion protection.
- Hydraulics and pneumatics: Operation of hydraulic systems in ROVs and maintenance.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Inspections, lubrication, and component replacement.
Safe Operation: Emergency procedures, risk management, and safety regulations.
Simulation Practices: Training in ROV control and operation in virtual environments.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.