Robotic and autonomous systems are increasingly proposed as solutions to the logistical, safety, and cost challenges associated with offshore infrastructure inspection, maintenance, and monitoring. Fromaerial drones inspecting turbine blades to underwater vehicles surveying subsea cables, their technical capabilities continue to advance, yet the pace of real-world adoption in offshore sectors remains limited. One barrier cited is the absence of a credible, task-focused certification pathway that can demonstrate performance, safety, and suitability of these systems in complex offshore environments.

There is a clear need for a Performance-Based Robotic Certification (PBRC) framework designed specifically for offshore robotic applications. Unlike traditional design or equipment-based certifications, a PBRC model would aim to verify whether a robotic system can reliably and safely perform a defined operational task within a stated environment. The goal is not to replace existing regulatory or classification pathways, but to complement them by providing developers, operators, and regulators with a modular, evidence-driven means of evaluating robotic functionality in context.

The application of a PBRC framework is explored in detail by means of a worked example on visual inspections of the blades of offshore wind turbines. This approach could enhance confidence in robotic systems and support their wider adoption in offshore operations. The PBRC outlined here is not a finalised certification scheme but instead provides a structured exploration of the technical, regulatory, and operational considerations that must inform its development.

This report presents the PBRC framework through a worked example focused on offshore wind turbine blade inspection. Its development was informed by two preceding bodies of work: a stakeholder engagement exercise that captured practical perspectives on certification needs and barriers, and a structured review of cross-sector robotics and automation standards to identify transferable principles and technical gaps. Together, these foundations support the design of a technically grounded, use case-oriented certification model to accelerate the safe and confident adoption of robotics in offshore environments. The PBRC outlined here is not a finalised certification scheme but instead provides a structured exploration of the technical, regulatory, and operational considerations that must inform its development.

This report was delivered as part of the OLTER Project, as a collaboration between NZTC, ORE Catapult, the National Robotarium, and the Energy Industry, funded by the Scottish Government under the recent Energy Transition Fund.