AquaCampus

The AquaCampus research area, unique in Europe, gives scientists and partner organisations from industry the opportunity to develop above-water and underwater technologies and the use of high-performance drones for offshore deployment, and to test them under real conditions in both long-term trials and short test scenarios.

The test field

Only a few nautical miles from Helgoland, eight yellow buoys in the North Sea mark the three square kilometre research test field, which is 45 metres deep. Alongside test facilities for materials and coatings to protect surfaces in Helgoland's south harbour, new technologies for use in marine environments are tested here: from materials, construction methods and joining techniques through sensors and actuators to complete methods and procedures.

Underwater robotics

Underwater robots and vehicles can also prove their performance and reliability under real conditions.

Why AquaCampus is unique

Until now, research on the open sea could only be organised under demanding conditions: anyone wanting to examine large components or complete maritime systems had to charter a vessel and hope for the right weather. Before AquaCampus, long-term trials were barely feasible.