Jens Renken

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Jens Renken is a leading figure in underwater robotics, specializing in the development of advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for extreme and high-risk marine environments. His primary research focuses on creating robust, autonomous systems capable of operating under ice and in other hazardous conditions where traditional tethered vehicles fail. Renken’s most significant contribution is his work on the HYBRID-ROV (H-ROV), a groundbreaking battery-powered vehicle designed for the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) at the University of Bremen. This project, detailed in his most-cited paper (30 citations), established a new paradigm for underwater exploration by combining the maneuverability of an ROV with the endurance of an autonomous vehicle, specifically targeting under-ice applications. His subsequent work on OROCOS-based control software (5 citations) further refined the vehicle’s autonomy, enabling precise navigation beneath sea ice and glaciers where no surface escape route exists. Renken’s innovations have directly expanded the frontiers of polar and deep-sea research, providing scientists with a vital tool for studying previously inaccessible ecosystems. His work remains a cornerstone in the field of marine robotics, inspiring new generations of engineers to tackle the challenges of ocean exploration.