From March 19th to 21st, 2024, the AUTOASSESS consortium of 16 partners from 9 countries convened in Munich for a pivotal meeting aimed at revolutionizing vessel inspections.

The AUTOASSESS project, co-funded by the European Union, is driven by the ambition to remove human surveyors from hazardous enclosed areas such as ballast tanks and cargo holds. By deploying autonomous aerial systems equipped with cutting-edge technology, the project aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost savings in marine inspections.

During the two-day meeting, the project partners gathered to brainstorm, collaborate, and propel our mission forward. From technical discussions to strategic planning, this meeting aimed to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of marine inspections. With input from academic institutions, industry leaders, and technology providers, the consortium made significant strides towards achieving its key objectives.
Moreover, this meeting was also a great opportunity for the Work Package leaders to brief the work that has been developed in AUTOASSESS and, in addition, a General Assembly meeting also took place to discuss relevant points concerning the overall project.

Some of the key highlights of the meeting were the integration of the various tasks with each other, planning field trips and demonstration events, outlining concrete steps for the next 6 months of the project.

The meeting culminated with the commitment of all partners to the upcoming tasks, the tour of Smart Robotics Lab (SRL) at TUM and the demonstration of state of the art onboard exploration and mapping capabilities by prof. Stefan Leutenegger and his group.

In conclusion, the AUTOASSESS consortium’s meeting in Munich marks a significant step forward in the journey towards safer, more efficient, and cost effective vessel inspections. With collaboration, innovation, and dedication at its core, AUTOASSESS is poised to make a lasting impact on the maritime industry and set new standards for inspection practices worldwide.