Nelson Mandela University established the Marine Robotics Unit in 2018, to foster an environment where engineers, ocean scientists and biologists can collaborate in the quest to address topics that pose challenges to the ocean science society. Our institution has supported the Marine Robotics initiative by recognizing the potential of the technologies to contribute to a variety of sectors of the blue economy, with the most important being the contribution to food security.

Nelson Mandela University was awarded funding from the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) aimed towards building capacity and capability to support researcher in autonomy, underwater systems and oceanography. Nelson Mandela University commits to provide the necessary expertise and technology platforms to explore the potential of the blue economy with reference to: Marine transport and manufacturing, Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Aquaculture, Marine Protection Services, and Ocean Governance and security.