At IRDL, Loïck Degorre has developed autonomous marine vehicles with vector propulsion to improve environmental monitoring.
Loïck Degorre, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale Sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes (Nantes Université).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Loïck Degorre's thesis on autonomous underwater robots with reconfigurable vector propulsion opens interesting perspectives for West Africa, and more specifically for Benin. This innovative research focuses on improving the maneuverability of these marine vehicles, which could transform the way we approach environmental monitoring and the inspection of maritime infrastructures. Indeed, the environmental challenges faced by Benin, such as the degradation of marine ecosystems, water pollution, and the need for renewable energy production, require innovative and effective solutions.
The advances made in the control of under-actuated vehicles are particularly promising. By developing control methods that compensate for nonlinear effects and disturbances, without burdening the vehicles with additional motors, Degorre proposes an approach that could reduce operating costs while increasing efficiency. For example, in the context of coral reef monitoring missions, these robots could navigate more easily in complex environments, allowing for more accurate and real-time data collection. This could also allow for greater flexibility in monitoring and inspection missions, essential for the sustainable management of marine resources.
The preliminary results of this research show that these new approaches can significantly improve the performance of underwater vehicles in difficult conditions, such as those encountered during storms or strong currents. This raises the question of integrating these technologies into current environmental policies. How can policymakers leverage these advances to strengthen marine environmental protection and promote renewable energy? The integration of these robots into fishery monitoring programs, for example, could better regulate fishing activities and protect endangered species.
It is also crucial to consider the potential impact on the local economy. The use of underwater robots for the inspection of underwater turbines and other infrastructures could create jobs and stimulate innovation in the maritime sector. By integrating marine robotics into development strategies, Benin could not only enhance its capacity to monitor and protect its marine resources but also position itself as a leader in the use of advanced technologies for sustainability. This could also encourage partnerships with other countries in the region, thus fostering sustainable and collaborative economic development.
The strategic recommendations of this thesis include the need to invest in research to improve the energy efficiency of underwater propulsion technologies. This could also involve collaboration with academic institutions and private companies to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the region. For example, joint projects with local universities could help train experts in marine robotics while addressing environmental challenges. The question remains: how to mobilize the necessary resources to advance these initiatives? Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must work together to create a favorable ecosystem for innovation.
In conclusion, Loïck Degorre's thesis represents a significant advancement in the field of marine robotics. It offers promising perspectives for the application of these technologies in West Africa, particularly in Benin, where environmental and energy challenges are pressing. By adopting these innovations, Benin could not only improve its management of marine resources but also strengthen its resilience to climate change. The road ahead is still long, but the foundations are laid for a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
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Sources et accès
Loïck Degorre. Analyse et commande des robots sous-marins autonomes à propulsion vectorielle reconfigurable. Automatique / Robotique. École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Brest, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023ENIB0002⟩. ⟨tel-04400492v2⟩