Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

The University of Girona has established itself as one of Europe's premier research institutions in marine and underwater robotics, earning an international reputation for pioneering autonomous systems that operate in some of the world's most challenging environments. Through its Computer Vision and Robotics Research Institute (VICOROB), the university has cultivated deep expertise spanning autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), underwater SLAM, intervention robotics, and computer vision — building a body of work that has fundamentally shaped how robots perceive and navigate aquatic environments. The institution's most celebrated contribution is its landmark survey on coverage path planning, which has accumulated over 1,500 citations and remains a foundational reference for roboticists worldwide. Equally impressive is the development of the Sparus II AUV, a hovering inspection platform, and the COLA2 control architecture — both emblematic of Girona's commitment to translating theoretical advances into deployable, real-world systems. Researchers here have deployed autonomous robots for deep-water archaeological surveys of ancient shipwrecks, hydroelectric dam inspection, and point-cloud SLAM using custom underwater laser scanners, demonstrating remarkable versatility across civilian and scientific applications. Girona's collaborative culture extends through joint projects spanning marine archaeology, offshore infrastructure inspection, and robotic manipulation — including autonomous valve-turning and seabed grasping systems. The Stonefish open-source marine simulator reflects the group's dedication to community-building and reproducible research, lowering barriers for the broader marine robotics community. For prospective students and collaborators, the University of Girona offers a uniquely interdisciplinary environment where cutting-edge engineering meets real ocean deployments, forging researchers capable of making immediate, tangible contributions to autonomous systems science.