Taiwan’s leading marine research institutions recently held a forum centered on unmanned underwater vehicles. The event took place at National Sun Yat-sen University, co-hosted by the National Academy of Marine Research and the university’s Undersea Technology Institute. Experts and industry representatives gathered to explore the latest developments in remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). During the forum, attendees discussed how unmanned underwater vehicles serve in ocean exploration, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. Moreover, they examined their vital role in search and rescue missions. The forum also highlighted the importance of cultivating local talent to support this growing field.
Vice President of the National Academy of Marine Research, Weng Chien-erh, stressed the complexity of the marine environment. He explained that underwater tasks often pose serious risks to human divers, making extended human presence underwater unsafe. Consequently, he said, the use of unmanned underwater vehicles has increased as a safer alternative. Professor Wang Chau-chang from the Undersea Technology Institute shared insights from nearly three decades of experience developing ROVs. He highlighted Taiwan’s current shortage of skilled professionals in this sector. Furthermore, he urged the government to enhance support and invest in training programs.
Previously, Taiwan lacked comprehensive courses for ROV talent development. This forced many practitioners to seek costly training abroad. However, the institute has now launched domestic talent cultivation courses to address this gap. The program encourages collaboration among local companies to strengthen the curriculum. The university’s Underwater Vehicle R&D Center works closely with domestic research institutes and businesses. Together, they develop unmanned underwater vehicles used in offshore wind power, ocean current energy, submarine mineral surveys, and underwater rescue operations.
In addition, the university has created a vehicle capable of reaching depths up to 4,000 meters. This vehicle features advanced photography and mapping technologies. The forum also included six presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. These activities showcased Taiwan’s progress in ROV technology and fostered knowledge exchange. Participants left the event with renewed optimism about Taiwan’s future in unmanned underwater vehicle innovation.
