E!11384,ORCAS,Cube Squared AB

Purpose and goal

The ORCAS project develops a multimodal inspection system for underwater assessment of reinforced concrete structures such as bridge foundations, quays and dams. By combining UWB radar, ultrasound and magnetic sensing with high-precision positioning, the system creates 3D imaging of the internal condition of concrete. Cube2 develops positioning for GPS-denied environments and magnetic inversion modeling for rebar localization. The goal is a validated prototype demonstrated on real infrastructure

Expected effects and result

Expected results are a validated multimodal sensor prototype, positioning algorithms for GPS-free underwater environments, and magnetic inversion and reinforcement location software — creating the basis for new licensing revenues for Cube2. The technology enables early detection of internal degradation in underwater concrete, supporting preventive maintenance, extending the life of infrastructure, and reducing CO₂ footprints by avoiding new construction of critical facilities.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is being implemented over 36 months together with the Norwegian Equanostic AS in seven work packages. Cube2 leads the development of positioning (AP3) and magnetic sensing with inversion modeling (AP4), and contributes to multimodal signal processing (AP5) and field demonstration (AP7). The work is carried out in stages: laboratory validation in a freshwater tank, field trials in freshwater with infrastructure owners, and finally validation in a marine environment.