A large remotely operated underwater robot, over 32 meters long and more than 8 meters wide, capable of moving beneath docks and working in complete autonomy, replacing operators—both divers and non-divers—in delicate operations such as port infrastructure maintenance. It is called RoboGO and is the innovative technology developed by Impresa Taverna, a company of the Icop Group, applied for the very first time as part of the redevelopment project for Molo VII in Trieste.
The heart of the system is a robotic unit designed to move precisely beneath docks, within the grid of supporting piles. Equipped with intelligent hydraulic arms, high-resolution cameras, advanced sensors, and a sophisticated artificial intelligence system, RoboGO can autonomously perform complex operations: from hydro-cleaning to waterproofing, hydro-scarifying, and structural concrete restoration—all without requiring the presence of underwater operators and ensuring maximum safety. Operations are supervised in real time by a Control Room located on a floating pontoon connected to the robotic unit. This allows surface terminals to remain fully operational, reducing time, costs, and environmental impact.
“With RoboGO, we combine safety, environmental respect, precision, and speed of execution through innovation: a true paradigm shift in port maintenance,” commented Luca Zambarbieri, CEO of Impresa Taverna and project manager. “This automated system can work without interrupting surface activities, keeping docks operational while improving safety and efficiency, with tangible benefits for a strategic port like Trieste.”
The RoboGO system integrates a self-learning AI system capable of mapping surfaces in detail, detecting anomalies, and autonomously planning and managing interventions. Thanks to hydraulic arms controlled by underwater encoders, the robot adapts its movements in real time to the structure’s configuration. With an eye toward environmental sustainability, the water used and processing residues are collected directly onboard and treated on the control pontoon, preventing dispersion into the sea.
“The synergistic integration of automation systems, AI algorithms, and remote control interfaces enables RoboGO to operate in critical conditions, ensuring high safety standards even in complex or hard-to-access environments,” explained Yurij Bean (Nuvisa), responsible for the system’s design and implementation. “The platform is equipped with machine learning capabilities that allow it to dynamically adapt to operational scenarios, progressively optimizing performance through the processing of field-acquired data.”
RoboGO was created to tackle the technical challenges of the redevelopment project for Molo VII in the Port of Trieste—a nationally significant project led by the Friulian company Icop S.p.A. Società Benefit, with the maritime portion overseen by its subsidiary Impresa Taverna Srl. A strategic project of vast scope: 611,000 square meters of surfaces to maintain, 3,600 prefabricated slabs to inspect and treat. The work will unfold over two years of continuous operations, with a total investment of 82 million euros funded through the Complementary Fund to the Pnrr.
The RoboGO project represents a major investment for the Icop Group: over 20 million euros. “This significant investment is not just for the Molo VII construction site but paves the way for a new generation of technologies serving Italian and international ports,” emphasized Vittorio Petrucco, president of Icop.
