Headquarters

A Hub for Innovation in Maritime Robotics

CoE MARBLE’s headquarters in Zagreb stands as the central hub for our research and development activities. Spanning 5,600 square meters within the former Brodarski Institut complex, this facility is dedicated to fostering technological innovation, collaborative research, and education in maritime robotics and the sustainable blue economy. The building itself is undergoing extensive renovation to house versatile open laboratories, advanced testing environments, and collaborative workspaces that bring together researchers, engineers, and industry partners.

Preliminary design illustrating concept of the Headquarters building with Open laboratory facilities.

Cutting-Edge Open Laboratories

Within the headquarters, a series of specialized labs and experimental areas enables our teams to push the boundaries of maritime innovation:

 

  • Prototyping Lab: Equipped with CNC machines, 3D printers, soldering stations, and instrumentation for mechanical and electronic assembly. Here, new concepts move swiftly from ideas to working prototypes.
  • Experimental Pool: A 30-meter-diameter circular test basin for underwater and surface vehicles. Outfitted with wall-mounted and submerged cameras, acoustic localization systems, and a movable overhead bridge, it offers a fully controlled environment for testing autonomous underwater robots, docking maneuvers, and sensor integration.
  • Flying Arena: A net-enclosed space designed for UAV testing with safety as a priority. Advanced hardware-in-the-loop experiments simulate real-world maritime scenarios, allowing researchers to refine aerial robotic operations—such as takeoffs, landings on moving platforms, and obstacle navigation.
  • Digital Twin Room: A high-tech command center that connects researchers remotely to pilot sites. This allows for real-time data monitoring, remote equipment control, and comprehensive simulations of marine operations using digital twin technology.
Preliminary design illustrating the mobile lab’s compact workspace and transportable structure

Mobile Laboratory

Field Research Made Easy

To extend our reach beyond the main facility, CoE MARBLE also operates a mobile laboratory—a fully contained control room housed in a standard shipping container. Designed for field experiments in remote coastal or island settings, the mobile lab includes electronics workstations, 3D printing capabilities, and ample storage for equipment mobilization.

 

Flexible Power and Connectivity

The mobile lab is engineered for diverse environments:

  • Renewable Energy Setup: Equipped with solar panels and batteries for off-grid operations, plus a backup diesel generator if needed.
  • Seamless Communication: Advanced networking options (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, satellite links) provide robust connections to pilot sites and back to the digital twin room at the headquarters. This ensures continuous data flow and remote collaboration on ongoing experiments.
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