Russia Develops First Simulator for Underwater Robot Pilots
A university in Russia has unveiled the country’s first simulator for remotely operated underwater vehicle operators, enabling trainees to practice offshore missions, including in Arctic conditions, without leaving the classroom.
The system was developed at the Center for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality at Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas and presented at the Oil and Gas – 2026 conference. The simulator trains users to operate heavy underwater vehicles equipped with manipulators—robotic “arms” used to inspect and repair subsea cables and pipelines, as well as collect seabed samples.
The platform includes four training scenarios with different types of equipment interaction. One of its key features is the presence of two separate workstations.
Students at the university are already training on the simulator. In the future, the developers plan to offer it to major companies operating on the continental shelf.
