On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the ELMAR University Regatta (1996–2026), the jubilee Zadar – Kukljica – Zadar regatta will be held, featuring a demonstration of advanced autonomous robotic systems in real-world maritime conditions.

The event is being held as part of the international conference Robot Technologies and Applications (RTA), which supports the launch of a new university programme in mechatronics and promotes robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence in Croatia.

The Robot-Drone Demo Convoy is a unique combination of sport, science, technology, and industry. Its aim is to demonstrate how modern autonomous technologies can advance maritime activities, environmental protection, marine research, navigation safety, and the development of new economic activities.

Demonstration Objectives

As part of the Robot-Drone Demo Convoy, a practical demonstration of modern autonomous maritime systems developed within the MARBLE project will be held.

The main objectives of the demonstration are:

• demonstrating the capabilities of modern autonomous maritime technologies in real-world operating conditions,
• presenting cooperation between surface, aerial, and underwater robotic systems,
• demonstrating the application of artificial intelligence in autonomous navigation and task execution,
• promoting research, innovation, and the development of advanced robotic technologies,
• connecting the scientific community, industry, and students through a practical presentation of new technologies.

Participants will have the opportunity to follow the coordinated operation of multiple autonomous platforms working together to perform complex tasks such as autonomous navigation, marine sampling, underwater inspection, and real-time data transmission.

Presentation of the MARBLE Project

Before departure, an introductory presentation will be organized for all participants at the premises of JK Uskok.

The programme includes:

Presentation of the MARBLE Project

• project objectives,
• development of autonomous maritime systems,
• research results,
• potential applications in marine protection, monitoring, navigation safety, and scientific research in the Adriatic.

Technical Presentation of the Equipment

All platforms participating in the demonstration will be presented:

• autonomous surface vessel (USV),
• unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV),
• remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV),
• sensor systems,
• communication infrastructure,
• control and safety systems.

Participants will learn about how the systems operate, communication between the platforms, and the safety protocols applied during the demonstration.

Public Event: Humanoid Robots – From Walking to Dancing

As part of the MULTISTEM project, a public event featuring a demonstration of the locomotion capabilities of humanoid robots will be held. The event will feature the humanoid robot Tonka, the robot Jože, and a robot dog designed to closely resemble a real animal.

The presentation on robot locomotion will be given by Zorislav Šojat.

Demonstration Location

The demonstration will take place in the waters surrounding Kukljica, at a location that provides safe operating conditions and excellent visibility for all participants.

Demonstration Area

The waters surrounding the village of Kukljica.

Berthing of Visiting Vessels

The vessels participating in the Robot Convoy will be anchored near the southern pier, which will serve as an observation platform and operational base during the demonstration. The vessels will subsequently be moored at the marina's transit pier in Kukljica.

Following the demonstration, the vessels will be allocated berths in the port of Kukljica, at the Zelena Punta pier, and at the marina's transit berths, subject to available capacity.

Demonstration Programme

The demonstration consists of three interconnected operational components.

A. Autonomous Surface Vessel (USV) Demonstration

The first part of the demonstration will showcase the capabilities of an autonomous surface vessel.

The following will be demonstrated:

• semi-autonomous navigation,
• maintaining a predefined route,
• automatic positioning,
• adapting to waves and sea currents,
• precise control with minimal operator intervention.

Participants will have the opportunity to observe the autonomous navigation system operating under real-world maritime conditions.

B. Marine Sampling Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The second part of the demonstration will showcase the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle for marine monitoring.

The drone will perform:

• autonomous flight to a predefined location,
• stable hovering above the sea surface,
• lowering the sampling system,
• collecting a seawater sample,
• returning to the starting location.

The demonstration will show how samples can be rapidly collected from difficult-to-access areas without the need to deploy a research vessel.

C. Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) Demonstration

The third part of the demonstration will showcase the capabilities of a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

Planned activities include:

• diving in front of the pier,
• underwater inspection,
• seafloor inspection,
• inspection of underwater objects and structures,
• real-time video transmission.

Participants will be able to follow the entire demonstration on a large screen via a live video feed from the underwater camera.

Closing Discussion

Following the demonstration programme, an open discussion with participants and media representatives will be held in Kukljica.

The discussion will cover:

• questions about the operation of autonomous systems,
• potential applications in industry,
• scientific and research challenges,
• future development of robotics and autonomous maritime technologies,
• opportunities for cooperation between universities, research institutions, and industry.

PROGRAMME

Saturday, 12 September 2026

08:00 Gathering of participants at JK Uskok

08:15 Welcome address and presentation of the programme

08:30 Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the ELMAR University Regatta and memorial video presentation

08:45 Presentation of the MARBLE project

09:00 Public event Humanoid Robots – From Walking to Dancing

09:45 Preparation for departure and distribution of lunch packages

10:00 Departure of the convoy

11:30 Anchoring in front of Kukljica

12:00 Demonstration of autonomous systems (USV, UAV and ROV)

13:00 Berthing at the transit pier of Kukljica Marina

14:00 Cocktail reception and gathering (discussion and questions from participants and journalists) at Zelena Punta

17:00 Departure towards Uskok

19:00 Joint dinner at JK Uskok

20:00 Social gathering

PRTICIPATION

Those interested in participating should register via the following link:
https://forms.gle/FyjE5j2rtYHxPFb87 

Contact:

e-mail: mipro@mipro.hr
GSM: 098 209 816