Galatea-Project

Partners

Founded in 1842, Delft University of Technology is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive technical university in the Netherlands. With over 13000 students, 1900 scientists and 200 professors, it is an establishment of both national importance and significant international standing.
Renowned for its high standard of education and research, TU Delft collaborates with other educational establishments and research institutes, both within and outside of the Netherlands. It also enjoys partnerships with governments, trade organizations, numerous consultancies, industry and small and medium sized enterprises.

The Acoustic Remote Sensing group (ACRS) group develops data-processing techniques for acoustic remote sensing applications used in earth's waters and its atmosphere. Both water and air are almost transparent to low-frequency sound waves. Signals can travel thousands of kilometres across the globe and are therefore very useful for both small and large scale remote sensing applications. For water, it is even the obvious choice.

The Galatea underwater robot is developed by students of the TU Delft. The TU Delft offers the team their facilities, knowledge, assistance and financial support.

Wageningen University and Research Centre is a leading international knowledge institute in the fields of nutrition and health, sustainable agricultural systems, environmental quality and processes of social change. Their path-breaking research and innovative education form a vital contribution to the quality of life.

The Experimental Zoölogie Group works on the biomechanics of animal locomotion; from animal flight (insects and birds) and fish swimming to terrestrial locomotion. Our biological research and bio-technical design expertise forms the inspiration for the development of novel robotic vehicles such as DelFly a flapping micro plane, RoboSwift a morphing micro plane and Galatea, an underwater vehicle with undulating fins.

Sponsors

The Defence organisation stands for peace and security, at home and abroad. It is one of the ways that the Netherlands contributes to stability and freedom in the world. That also makes it one of the ways that it serves society at large.

The navy, army, air force and marechaussee can be deployed quickly and flexibly and can operate anywhere in the world, under the most extreme conditions. They work closely with others, strengthened by a rocksolid confidence in one another. Equipped with modern materiel, responsible in its use of force, and, when necessary, at risk to their own lives: that is the Defence organisation.

To accomplish her tasks Defense uses the most modern means available. Therefore robot technology caught the attention of Defence. One of the areas of attention is harbour protection, in which it is to be expected that small underwater robots will contribute to inspecting and guarding of strategic harbour installations in the future. This is the main reason Defence is interested in the Galatea project. Defence wants to stimulate the development of knowledge concerning underwater robots in the Netherlands, and therefore it was decided to financially support the Galatea-project.

TenCate is a multinational company that combines textile technology with related chemical processes. TenCate develops and produces specialist materials with specific properties. Protective materials for fire-fighting clothing, and strong, lightweight materials in aircraft are good examples of these, as are materials that block UV radiation for applications like tentcloth and awnings.

TenCate contributes to the realization of Galatea by supplying high-quality fibre-glass.

WFS Ltd is the world leader in underwater RF technology. Privately owned, and using innovative work practices, WFS exploits the synergies between telecom and security industries to rapidly bring to market advanced, cost effective solutions for both above surface and underwater roles.

WFS is the provider of the underwater radio modem, that is being used in the Galatea-project.

Xsens Technologies B.V. offers small and highly accurate 3D measurement units using miniature MEMS inertial sensor technology. Xsens' products are key solutions for applications such as control, stabilization and navigation of unmanned vehicles, robots and other objects, as well as human motion capturing for character animation, training and simulation, and movement science.

A miniature Attitude and Heading Reference System is supplied by Xsens Technologies.

3M is a diversified technology company serving customers and communities with innovative products and services. As recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs.

3M provides the Galatea-project team with adhesive, needed for construction of the prototype.