# Aquatic Vessel-Scrubbing Robots The 'HullSkater' Removes Biofilm to Prevent Biofouling By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-03-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hullskater References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/marine/hullskater-hull-cleaning-robot/) & [semcon](https://semcon.com/jotunhullskater/) The 'HullSkater' robot is a solution for the shipping industry that would work to eliminate biofouling and prevent it from causing any issues for vessels. The robot has been developed in collaboration between Norway-based [Jotun](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oddin) and Sweden-based Semcon, and will work by scouring the hull of a ship to scrub away the biofilm that can give way to outright biofouling. This means that the unit will prevent barnacles, algae, mussels and other aquatic life to stick to the hull, which can cause decreased fuel economy for ships. The 'HullSkater' robot features magnetic wheels to keep it affixed to the ship during cleanings and works by being piloted by a staff member from the Jotun team to ensure it's operating as expected. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Biofouling Prevention:** Developing technologies and robotics to eliminate biofouling on aquatic vessels can enhance efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. - **Automated Vessel Scrubbing:** Automated robots like the 'HullSkater' are revolutionizing the ship cleaning process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. - **Collaborative Innovation:** Partnerships between companies such as Jotun and Semcon facilitate the development of innovative solutions for the shipping industry. ### Where This Applies - **Shipping:** Implementing biofouling prevention technologies can lead to increased fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs for the shipping industry. - **Robotics:** The development of aquatic vessel-scrubbing robots presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the robotics industry for automated cleaning solutions. - **Marine Coating:** The use of biofilm-removing technologies like the 'HullSkater' provides opportunities for the marine coating industry to develop more effective anti-fouling solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Autonomous Aquafarming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivation-robot.md) - [Sonar Technology Pool Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pool-cleaner-robot.md) - [Aquarium Cleaning Tool Scrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rollingreef.md) - [Self-Operating Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-inspection-underwater-robot-underwater-visual-inspection.md) - [Self-Removing Robotic Pool Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mammotion-spino-s1-pro.md) - [Robotic Pool Cleaning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-pool-cleaning-device.md) - [Self-Dock Aquatic Robot Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roboturtle.md) - [Advanced Pool Maintenance Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pool-maintenance-technology.md)