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URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

  • By Matt Jones
  • 07/02/26

Key Takeaways

  • The University of Rhode Island officially opened its new 32,000-square-foot Ocean Robotics Laboratory, a centerpiece of the $300-million, multiphase revitalization of the Narragansett Bay Campus.
  • The research facility features advanced robotics infrastructure, including a large test tank, high-bay staging area, multiple research labs, fabrication shops, office space, and an incubator suite to support ocean technology innovation.
  • Backed in part by $145 million in voter-approved bond funding, university leaders say the laboratory will strengthen Rhode Island’s leadership in the blue economy by advancing robotic ocean exploration, research, and industry partnerships.

The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank. The new facility is part of a larger, $300-million, multiphase revitalization project for the entire campus.

The facility measures 32,000 square feet, and construction started in March 2024. Major building features include a two-story, high-bay staging area; a test tank measuring 20 feet wide, 30 feet long, and 15 feet deep; eight faculty research labs on the first floor; eight secondary lab spaces for shared or individual use; two shops with mechanical equipment like milling machines, sanders, band saws, and a lathe; faculty office space; and an incubator suite, according to the university website.

“This is a major milestone in the revitalization of this campus,” said University 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.”

About $145 million in funding came from two bond referenda approved by Rhode Island voters.

“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, the Graduate School of Oceanography’s interim dean. “The facility will enable Rhode Island to take a commanding global lead in robotic ocean exploration and automated sensing of the ocean.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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