Advanced Marine Robotics as a Strategic Technology for Canada and Observations of a Related Large Scale Project in Japan

Recent Canadian federal and provincial initiatives are defining organizational structures designed to improve the country's scientific and technological contribution to world trade and development. These initiatives will include funding of applied generic research for building on key areas where Canada is strong. One such area of strength is in the commercial development of marine robotics-a new and very active area of applied research. An example of marine robotics as applied generic research which is examined in this paper is a National Large Scale Project of the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry. It is clear that If this project is successful even with only some of its goals, that not only marine but generic robot technology will be improved substantially. If Canada wishes to continue its important contribution, it thus appears that advanced marine robotics is a very eligible candidate as a strategic project in Canada's new research and development structure.