Melquisedec F. Santos

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Melquisedec F. Santos is a robotics and automation researcher whose work focuses on the development of specialized inspection robotic systems for the oil and gas industry, particularly in challenging offshore and underwater environments. His research addresses the critical need for safe, efficient inspection of large-scale offshore infrastructure, including ship hulls, FPSO platforms, underwater risers, mooring lines, and umbilical cables — structures that are notoriously difficult and dangerous to inspect using conventional methods. Santos's most notable contribution is the development of the SIRUS robot (2008), a mobile robotic system designed to autonomously inspect the outer surfaces of large oil tanker hulls and FPSO platforms, garnering 16 citations and establishing him as a pioneer in hull inspection robotics. Building on this foundation, his 2013 work on a multi-sensor underwater riser inspection robot further demonstrated his commitment to tackling complex, safety-critical engineering challenges in aggressive subsea environments, accumulating 10 citations. Through his research, Santos has made meaningful contributions to reducing human risk in offshore operations while advancing the capabilities of autonomous robotic inspection systems — work of growing relevance as the global energy industry increasingly prioritizes remote monitoring and structural integrity management.