Chennai: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, is organising the Underwater Robotics Workshop (UWR-2026) on June 1 and 2, 2026, at its Chennai campus.
The Underwater Robotics Workshop aims to bring together researchers, academicians, industry experts, policymakers, students, and stakeholders engaged in the fields of ocean technologies and underwater robotics.
Approximately 300 delegates from across the country are participating in the Underwater Robotics Workshop, making it a significant national platform for discussions on emerging technologies and innovation in marine robotics and autonomous systems.
A major highlight of the Underwater Robotics Workshop was the inauguration of the Centre for Marine Autonomous Robotics Systems (CMARS).
The centre was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, National Maritime Security Coordinator, and Dr. M. V. Ramana Murthy, Mission Director, Deep Ocean Mission, in the presence of Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director, NIOT.
The newly established CMARS will function as a dedicated hub for advancing marine autonomous and robotic technologies, supporting India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous capabilities in underwater systems and ocean technology development.
Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and play a critical role in sustaining life, regulating climate, and supporting economic growth.
Recognising the strategic importance of ocean exploration and marine resource mapping, India has been actively promoting indigenous underwater technologies for applications including ocean observation, deep-sea exploration, transportation, surveillance, resource assessment, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
During the Underwater Robotics Workshop, experts highlighted the growing importance of autonomous and robotic technologies in addressing challenges associated with ocean research and resource management.
The event also served as a forum for discussing recent technological advancements, infrastructure requirements, research opportunities, emerging challenges, and collaborative pathways in underwater robotics.
Over the past two decades, NIOT has played a key role in developing advanced underwater systems and technologies under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
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The Underwater Robotics Workshop provided an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and explore future collaborations aimed at accelerating innovation in marine technology.
The two-day Underwater Robotics Workshop featured a wide range of activities, including:
- Plenary sessions and invited talks
- Technical lectures by domain experts
- Demonstrations of underwater robotic systems
- Student poster presentations and competitions
- Round-table discussions
- Technology exhibitions and field visits
The Underwater Robotics Workshop fostered collaboration among research organisations, industries, startups, academic institutions, and government agencies.
The event also encouraged innovation, skill development, and capacity building in the field of marine technology and autonomous systems.
In addition, the Underwater Robotics Workshop aligns with India’s long-term vision of strengthening indigenous technological capabilities and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to ocean sustainability, marine conservation, and responsible resource management.
By bringing together experts, innovators, policymakers, and students, the Underwater Robotics Workshop serves as a significant step toward advancing India’s capabilities in underwater robotics, ocean technology, and marine autonomous systems.
