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About

Urmas Dresen is a leading researcher in the field of underwater robotics and its application to maritime archaeology. His key research areas include autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) development, low-cost robotic systems, and the integration of technology with cultural heritage preservation. Dresen’s most significant contribution is his leadership in the ARROWS (ARchaeological RObot systems for the World’s Seas) project, an EU-funded initiative that pioneered the adaptation of low-cost AUV technologies for underwater archaeological campaigns. This work, published in a highly cited 2015 paper (75 citations), proposed a comprehensive methodology to drastically reduce the operational costs of underwater exploration, making archaeological surveys more accessible and efficient. By bridging engineering and heritage science, Dresen has enabled the full extent of archaeological campaigns—from site detection to documentation—to be conducted with greater precision and lower financial barriers. His achievements highlight a commitment to democratizing underwater research, with his ARROWS framework serving as a benchmark for cost-effective robotic intervention in marine archaeology. Dresen’s work continues to inspire interdisciplinary collaboration, offering a scalable model for preserving submerged cultural heritage.