Design and Development of an Automated Robotic Algorithm for Blasting, Painting, and Barnacle Cleaning of Offshore Structures

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1 12
    By

    Nagesh Bhadriraju,

  • Pramodaki,

  1. Adjunct Professor, , Marine Engineering Department, Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam, india
  2. Student, Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam, Andrapradesh, India

Abstract

Marine surface maintenance tasks such as barnacle removal, abrasive blasting, and protective painting are traditionally carried out using manual methods that are labor-intensive, hazardous, and prone to variability in quality. These challenges are particularly significant for offshore structures, where harsh environmental conditions and restricted accessibility increase operational risks and maintenance costs. This paper presents the design and evaluation of an autonomous robotic system for automated surface preparation and coating of marine and offshore structures. The proposed system integrates vision-based surface inspection with deep learning–based barnacle detection to accurately identify biofouled regions requiring cleaning. A force-feedback control mechanism is employed to regulate tool–surface interaction, enabling effective barnacle removal while preventing substrate damage. To ensure complete and systematic coverage of complex structural surfaces, a grid-based coverage path planning strategy is implemented. Furthermore, closed-loop control algorithms are developed to dynamically regulate abrasive blasting pressure and paint deposition rate, thereby achieving uniform surface roughness and consistent coating thickness. The performance of the robotic system is experimentally evaluated using a set of quantitative metrics, including operational efficiency, surface roughness uniformity, coating thickness consistency, and task completion time. Comparative analysis with conventional manual maintenance methods demonstrates that the proposed autonomous system significantly improves worker safety, process repeatability, and overall maintenance efficiency. The results highlight the potential of intelligent robotic automation to enhance durability, corrosion protection, and lifecycle management of offshore structures, offering a viable solution for next-generation marine maintenance operations.

Keywords: Abrasive blasting, autonomous marine robotics, barnacle removal, offshore structure maintenance, protective coating.

[This article belongs to Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Nagesh Bhadriraju, Pramodaki. Design and Development of an Automated Robotic Algorithm for Blasting, Painting, and Barnacle Cleaning of Offshore Structures. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):1-12.
How to cite this URL:
Nagesh Bhadriraju, Pramodaki. Design and Development of an Automated Robotic Algorithm for Blasting, Painting, and Barnacle Cleaning of Offshore Structures. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):1-12. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joost/article=2026/view=239097


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 08/01/2026
Accepted 07/02/2026
Published 13/02/2026
Publication Time 36 Days
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