Project Full Title
Marine robotics for Environmental monitoring anD Underwater systems for coStal erosion mitigAtion
EU Programme
PR Calabria FESR–FSE 2021–2027 – Priority 1
A more competitive and smarter Calabria
Duration
36 months
Consortium
- Applicon S.r.l. (Coordinator)
- Quavlive S.r.l.
- Petra S.r.l.
- University of Calabria
Project Description
Coastal erosion, marine habitat degradation, and the lack of continuous environmental monitoring systems represent critical challenges for coastal regions. MEDUSA addresses these issues by developing an integrated technological solution for marine environmental monitoring and coastal protection, designed to operate in real, industrially relevant environments.
The project combines marine and underwater robotics, advanced sensing technologies, and electrochemical artificial reef systems to create a comprehensive platform capable of monitoring seabeds, coastal infrastructures, and environmental parameters while actively contributing to erosion mitigation and ecosystem regeneration.
At the core of MEDUSA are autonomous marine and underwater vehicles that perform continuous inspection, data acquisition, and environmental assessment tasks. These robotic systems reduce operational costs and risks while enabling persistent, high-resolution monitoring of coastal dynamics. Data collected from multiple sensors are processed through advanced analysis tools, providing accurate and actionable insights to support coastal management strategies.
In parallel, MEDUSA introduces innovative electrochemical artificial reefs designed to reduce wave energy, stabilize sediments, and promote biodiversity. These structures serve both as physical coastal defense elements and as enablers of long-term environmental sustainability.
The project is developed through a close collaboration between industry and academia, ensuring that research results are translated into scalable, market-ready solutions. MEDUSA aims to deliver tangible benefits for public authorities, environmental agencies, and private operators involved in coastal protection, marine monitoring, and offshore activities.
By integrating robotics, environmental engineering, and data-driven decision support, MEDUSA represents a new paradigm in sustainable coastal management, combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility.