University of Rhode Island opens new Ocean Robotics Laboratory

The University of Rhode Island announced the opening of its new Ocean Robotics Laboratory, part of a $300 million, multi-phase revitalization of the institution’s Narragansett Bay Campus.

The facility opened with a ribbon-cutting performed by Rhody, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) piloted by students Elliot Roman and Jake Bonney. The ceremonial ribbon was cut underwater in the building’s 20-foot-wide by 30-foot-long test tank.

URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus expands marine robotics education

URI stated that the multi-year campus revitalization is part of an ongoing transformation at the school, particularly in the Ocean Robotics Laboratory, which features new, state-of-the-art facilities that are advancing the design and development of technology-driven offerings.

“This is a major milestone in the revitalization of this campus,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “This campus is truly a hub for the blue economy in Rhode Island, with education, with research, with training, with extension and partnerships with industry, as well as state and federal agencies. I am so grateful for the support of our state and federal elected officials and generous donors who make this transformation possible.”

Jason Noel, a Ph.D. candidate in ocean engineering, who earned a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering with a minor in oceanography in 2022, expressed how much the new facility means to the students and faculty who will use it regularly.

“It truly is an amazing advancement for us and is exactly what this department was lacking,” Noel said. “We have always been at the forefront of research and talent, with amazing faculty, graduate students, and undergrads. The one thing that we were missing was the facilities to do our work.”

URI said that Rhode Island voters supported the revitalization measures by approving two bond referenda totaling $145 million.

“URI has one of the best oceanography programs in the entire country, and yet, we hadn't really invested a great deal in the infrastructure on the campus,” said Dan McKee, governor of Rhode Island. “Noting a report from the state’s commerce board that estimated up to 60,000 jobs are available in the blue economy with proper investment. What better place to invest than the University of Rhode Island?”

The university said that the 32,000 square-foot Ocean Robotics Laboratory facility will create opportunities for collaborations within URI, among university partners, and through public-private ventures. Construction started in March 2024 and was completed in late June 2026.

“The people who will work in the Ocean Robotics Laboratory are building the robots and instruments that are needed to solve challenges by giving them shared space, innovative infrastructure, and place-based partnership opportunity,” said Steve D'Hondt, interim dean of URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography. “The facility will enable Rhode Island to take a commanding global lead in robotic ocean exploration and automated sensing of the ocean.”