India opened CMARS at NIOT, Chennai, to develop and integrate advanced marine autonomous and robotic technologies for varied underwater applications. The centre will aid deep-sea exploration, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, and resource assessment, aligning with India’s blue economy vision.
The launch coincided with a workshop gathering 300 delegates to strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, government, and research bodies. The Indian government has set up the Centre for Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (CMARS) laboratory at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). This facility is dedicated to the development of marine autonomous robots. The initiative represents a significant investment in advancing India’s marine robotics capabilities.
The CMARS laboratory at NIOT is focused on developing autonomous robotic systems for marine applications. These systems are intended to operate in ocean environments without direct human control. The lab’s work supports technological advancements in underwater exploration and operations.
Vice Admiral Dasgupta emphasized the growing importance of the blue economy. He highlighted its relevance to national interests and the need to develop capabilities in marine domains. Vice Admiral Dasgupta noted the strategic stakes involved in undersea domains, specifically mentioning submarine operations and undersea internet cables. These areas are critical for security and communications.
The Centre for Marine Autonomous Robotics Systems (CMARS) was inaugurated at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai. The inauguration was conducted by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta and Dr. M.V. Ramana Murthy during a national underwater robotics workshop.
