Multidisciplinary applications of robotic solutions in shallow coastal environments
Coastal and transitional environments are highly populated and are valuable areas, which provide crucial ecosystem services. Particularly, lagoons are very dynamic areas where physical and biogeochemical characteristics can lead to challenges for innovative robotic and technological solutions. The management of these areas calls for a deeper understanding of their functioning also in view of climate change and relative sea-level rise. In this contribution, we illustrate different possible applications where the implementation of robotic solutions equipped with cutting-edge technology could radically improve the monitoring approaches to support an ecosystem-based management of the shallow coastal environments. As a case study we will focus on the Venice Lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Mediterranean, surrounding the historical city of Venice, Italy. We will present different applications of robotic solutions that, together with the collection of in-situ samples, can be applied to: a) monitor the geomorphological evolution of highly dynamic areas and sediment transport, b) map and monitor the seafloor habitats; c) highlight the presence of marine litter hotspots and possible removal actions; e) preserve the submerged archaeological heritage; and f) inspect coastal infrastructures. The aim of the talk is to highlight the required technological innovations to fulfil the monitoring/intervention needs of shallow coastal environments and the challenges that can be encountered by robotic solutions in these environments. The research on this topic is carried out by CNR-ISMAR (Venice, Bologna, La Spezia) in cooperation with CNR-INM Genova.