NTNU celebrates its new HUGIN
During the Defence Conference in Trondheim this week, NTNU’s Rector and the Norwegian Minister of Defence announced a significant acquisition for the Norwegian Centre for Ocean Technology: the purchase of a “HUGIN 6000” from KONGSBERG.
Highlighting Advanced Technology
Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik emphasized Norway’s strategic advantage in salty, wet, and cold conditions, where critical deep-water infrastructure significantly contributes to both national export revenues and Europe’s energy security. He stated, “Norway is a world leader in maritime research and ocean autonomy. HUGIN is the result of long-term technology collaboration between the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and Kongsberg, and a strong example of Norwegian high-tech success. Dual-use technology strengthens defense capability. When civilian and military technology development advance together, we build national expertise that enables faster development and innovation.”
The HUGIN drone is capable of diving to depths of 6,000 meters, allowing it to cover all Norwegian territorial waters. It can map an impressive two to four square kilometers of seabed per hour and is equipped with a high-resolution camera. Notably, it can operate for three days without the need for recharging.
Recognized as the world’s leading autonomous underwater vehicle, the HUGIN plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the ocean while bolstering defense capabilities during uncertain times. NTNU is set to lead the further development of this sophisticated drone.
Longstanding Relationship with NTNU
Arne Rinnan, EVP and CTO at KONGSBERG, highlighted that the HUGIN system was developed in partnership with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment 35 years ago. He remarked, “HUGIN is the autonomous underwater robot that can go far and deep, and that you can expect to return when it has done its job. It has a reliability, robustness, and ability to observe things on the seabed and in the water column that no one else can match.”
Rinnan expressed his excitement for the ongoing collaboration with NTNU, stating, “I am pleased that researchers at the Norwegian Centre for Ocean Technology will be involved in further developing this technology. This will probably be the largest investment in the Fjordlab part of the centre,” added the Minister of Defence.
NTNU, as the largest university in Norway, has specialized in science and technology since its establishment in 1910.
The HUGIN owned by Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) ready to go into mission in Mjøsa. Next time it will be NTNUs own drone that they will be using. Photo: Merete Nyheim / NTNU
Expanding Research Opportunities
The acquisition of the HUGIN will serve as a key component of the Norwegian Centre for Ocean Technology’s offshore equipment fleet. NTNU Rector Tor Grande noted the center’s significance in establishing Norway as a high-tech maritime nation.
“With HUGIN, the academic communities gain access to an advanced underwater drone that offers exceptional opportunities for exploring and understanding the ocean,” Grande remarked. “For us as a leading university, the purchase of HUGIN is also an important piece in further developing autonomous vessels, which can secure oil and gas pipelines, as well as internet and power cables on the seabed.”
