Oceanlab

The establishment of Oceanlab is a result of OsloMet's focus on urban oceans and its interdisciplinary commitment to innovation for sustainability. The concept of urban oceans is about seeing ocean and marine resources in relation to urban life and urban development.

OsloMet will contribute to knowledge about the ocean, water and marine resources by developing technology that collects data. In the OASYS project, miniature underwater robots are being developed to collect data from the ocean. 

Underwater robots – so-called miniature under water gliders (MUG) – helped by drones and self-propelled surface vessels, can do this at a far lower cost, in a more environmentally friendly manner, and without posing a risk to people.

The earth’s oceans are under serious threat due to over-exploitation, pollution and climate change, and the harmful effects of irresponsible and unsustainable growth.

Artificial intelligence and automated (autonomous) systems can give us ‘a pair of eyes’ beneath the surface of the ocean to make it easier to detect pollution with more accurate data.

The research project OASYS is funded by the Research Council of Norway, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the EU Commission under the framework of ERA-Net Cofund MarTERA.

The Filipstad area has been designated as a focus area for “Innovasjonsdistrikt Sentrum” (City centre innovation district), in which Oceanlab will be a central arena for collaborating on research, building networks and innovation.

“Innovasjonsdistrikt Sentrum” is a collaboration between OsloMet, the City of Oslo, Arena Oslo and other partners.

Oceanlab – the ocean laboratory is open to everyone with interest in the ocean. There will also be a focus on disseminating research and various events will be organised for school pupils, students and the business world.

On the ground floor is an ocean-themed Makerspace, with shared research facilities for collaborators and researchers at OsloMet: a lab, research vessels, marine robots and computer infrastructure. Events and courses will be organised for schools and other interested parties.

On the first floor is a laboratory with office space for OsloMet's researchers in the field. Here,  students taking master's degree and doctoral degree programmes also have the opportunity to work on their projects. 

The top floor of the building provides space for working on innovation and start-ups, where those with ideas related to the ocean, technology and sustainability can further develop and realise their concepts. 

Oceanlab is the initiative of the Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering (MEK) and Makerspace at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design (TKD).

The first floor of Oceanlab is managed by OsloMet Makerspace. A makerspace, or a creative workshop, is a community-run workshop, a space filled with tools and innovative technology that allows you to create things in new ways.