Fleet Robotics developed a Roomba-like autonomous cleaning robot to remove invasive biofouling from ship hulls at sea, addressing an industry-wide fuel drag issue costing up to $36 billion annually. Northeastern University student Timothy Wong completed a six-month co-op helping test and develop the mechanical system.
Biofouling Accumulation on Ship Hulls Costs the U.S. Shipping Industry Billions
Marine organisms accumulate on ship hulls while vessels remain stranded, creating severe drag that forces ships to burn significantly more fuel to maintain speed. According to Sofar, an ocean sensor network, this extra weight results in up to an extra $36 billion in fuel and antifouling paint costs across the U.S. shipping industry each year.
The gunk begins as algae before maturing into barnacles, mollusks, and seaweed. Beyond the financial toll, biofouling serves as a vector for invasive species that displace local organisms and disrupt marine food webs. The International Maritime Organization notes that the Asian paddle crab introduced the White Spot Syndrome virus to New Zealand’s crustaceans, while the North Pacific seastar has heavily damaged Northeast Pacific fisheries by preying on commercially valuable shellfish like mussels, scallops, and clams.
Fleet Robotics Tests Daily Preventative Maintenance at Sea
To combat biofouling, Boston-based Fleet Robotics developed an autonomous cleaning robot designed to operate on ships. Unlike traditional wheeled systems that skim vessels like a trolley on tracks, the cleaning robot uses switchable magnets to climb surfaces in individual steps. Joshua Batra, a mechanical and validation engineer at Fleet Robotics and a Northeastern alumnus, explained that the system operates similarly to daily dental hygiene rather than an intensive deep-cleaning procedure.
Timothy Wong, a third-year mechanical engineering and marine science student at Northeastern University, completed a six-month co-op at Fleet Robotics running from January 2026 through June 2026. Wong’s responsibilities included testing how the robot performed on various marine paints and ship coatings, experimenting with cleaning brushes, and designing a compliance system to coordinate the motions of multiple cleaning units. He subsequently led testing on an actual vessel at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
Autonomous Navigation in Harsh Ocean Environments
Operating a cleaning robot on a moving ship introduces significant engineering hurdles. Water turbulence and ocean waves create powerful forces against the machinery, while internal electronics must be completely sealed to withstand pressure cycling at depths down to 40 meters.
Operating without a Wi-Fi tether or external guidance system, the robot must independently map paths and navigate underwater obstacles. “It’s completely sort of operating blind,” Batra said.
Upcoming International Regulations May Mandate Hull Maintenance
The International Maritime Organization is preparing to release additional regulations, which is expected to transition current voluntary guidelines into mandatory compliance for ship owners. Vessels stationed around Iran because of the conflict accumulate heavy marine growth while stranded, raising the risk of spreading invasive species globally once they resume travel. Permanent onboard cleaning systems offer vessel operators a method to maintain compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Fleet Robotics cleaning robot move across a ship hull?
The robot consists of two large, Roomba-like units connected by a bridge. Each unit features feet equipped with switchable magnets that allow the device to lift one foot at a time, spin, and take calculated steps across the vertical steel surface.
What specific role did Timothy Wong play during his co-op?
Wong tested robot performance on various ship coatings, experimented with brush types, designed a compliance system for coordinating multiple robot motions, and led field testing on a vessel at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute between January 2026 and June 2026.
Why is frequent cleaning a risk for ship hulls?
Overcleaning a vessel strips away its protective paint, which can cause hull corrosion and leak toxic chemicals directly into surrounding marine waters.
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