Track monopile penetration and final elevation during installation
As a monopile approaches its final elevation, cranes, slings, spreader bars, and other deck equipment can restrict GNSS visibility. This limits conventional positioning methods that rely on GNSS receivers or sensors mounted on the hammer, gripper, or pile.
Zupt’s Integrated Robotic Total Station (iRTS) provides real-time, high-accuracy monitoring of structure position, penetration rate, and final elevation. Purpose-built for offshore monopile installation, it supports installation efficiency and monitoring of potential pile run.
How iRTS Works
The system integrates survey-grade RTK GNSS, a 200 Hz navigation-grade IMU, and robotic total stations that track shock-mounted prisms on the hammer or gripper.
Two robotic total stations are mounted high on the vessel to provide strong GNSS visibility and a reliable, overdetermined positioning solution. The integrated measurements provide structure position and elevation in an absolute reference frame, with RTK GNSS accuracy precisely offset to the tracked prism.
Automated prism tracking provides updates at more than 5 Hz.
Supporting Offshore Installation
iRTS combines redundant sensors, data processing, and real-time tracking to deliver reliable positioning in low-visibility and highly obstructed environments.
The system is designed for fixed and floating vessels and can be adapted to different vessel layouts and installation methods. It supports continuous tracking of penetration rate and final pile elevation in dynamic offshore conditions, improving control, safety, and efficiency.
Key Features
- Absolute positioning: Real-time monitoring of structure position in an absolute reference frame.
- Automated prism tracking: Update rate greater than 5 Hz when tracking a prism.
- Vessel compatibility: Designed for fixed and floating vessels, with a navigation-grade IMU option.
- Integrated measurements: GNSS, IMU, and total station integration for accurate absolute positioning and elevation.
- RTK GNSS reference: RTK GNSS accuracy precisely offset to the prism on the targeted structure.
- Remote operation: Full remote control functionality for ease of operation.
Vessel Motion and GNSS Outages
The integrated system maintains functionality during vessel motion and short-term GNSS outages.
RTK recovery is required for GNSS outages lasting more than 10 seconds.
The contactless positioning system uses robotic total stations to track shock-mounted prisms on the hammer or gripper.
Discuss iRTS and your offshore monopile installation requirements with our team.