Industry Briefing

A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.

ACUA Ocean and RS Aqua Sign MoU to Accelerate Remote Deployment of Long-Endurance and Persistent Ocean Acoustic Data Gathering AI Systems

ACUA Ocean and RS Aqua Sign MoU to Accelerate Remote Deployment of Long-Endurance and Persistent Ocean Acoustic Data Gathering AI Systems

ACUA Ocean has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with RS Aqua, a company focused on advancing ocean exploration and conservation through innovative technology and expertise. This partnership aims to enhance the discovery and understanding of marine environments, ultimately contributing to their protection. The agreement was formalized recently, signaling a commitment from both organizations to collaborate on initiatives that leverage their respective strengths in oceanic research and technology. By combining resources and knowledge, ACUA Ocean and RS Aqua seek to address pressing challenges facing the oceans and promote sustainable practices in marine management.

acua ocean rs aqua mou ocean acoustic data gathering ai
ACUA Ocean led consortium secures UK government backing for 145ft Multi-Role Uncrewed Offshore Support Vessel

ACUA Ocean led consortium secures UK government backing for 145ft Multi-Role Uncrewed Offshore Support Vessel

A consortium led by ACUA Ocean, which includes partners Houlder, Ad Hoc Marine Designs, Trident Marine, and the University of Southampton, has received backing from the UK government to advance the development of a new class of medium-sized uncrewed support vessels. This initiative aims to enhance maritime operations and support various marine activities, reflecting a growing interest in innovative, unmanned technologies within the maritime sector. The project underscores the UK government's commitment to fostering advancements in marine engineering and technology, with the consortium set to leverage its collective expertise to design and build these vessels. The development is expected to take place over the coming years, contributing to the evolution of the maritime industry and promoting sustainable practices in marine operations.

acua ocean usv houlder
UK’s first ROUV certified under Workboat Code 3 as Lloyd’s Register awards compliance to ACUA Ocean’s PIONEER

UK’s first ROUV certified under Workboat Code 3 as Lloyd’s Register awards compliance to ACUA Ocean’s PIONEER

Lloyd’s Register has granted the UK’s inaugural certification for a remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV), marking a significant milestone in maritime innovation. The certification was awarded to the hydrogen-powered vessel PIONEER, developed by ACUA Ocean, under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2. This achievement not only highlights advancements in autonomous maritime technology but also underscores the growing emphasis on sustainable energy solutions within the industry. The certification process involved rigorous assessments to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, paving the way for the integration of unmanned vessels into commercial maritime operations.

acua ocean usv pioneer vessel
University of Plymouth Launches £1.2 Million Multi-Robot Demonstration at Smart Sound Connect

University of Plymouth Launches £1.2 Million Multi-Robot Demonstration at Smart Sound Connect

The University of Plymouth has successfully completed a significant underwater trials demonstration at the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project, showcasing multi-marine robotic platforms. This event featured collaboration among ACUA Ocean, ecoSUB Robotics, Seaber, and Sonardyne, highlighting the capabilities of the £1.2 million initiative aimed at enhancing marine autonomy and ocean sensing in the UK. The demonstration attracted stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the project's role in advancing technology in marine environments. The SSCS project enhances the existing Smart Sound Plymouth testbed by integrating a seabed node array for precise positioning and communication, alongside intelligent sensors. This infrastructure supports advanced testing capabilities for autonomous vehicles, reinforcing Plymouth's status as a leading hub for marine autonomy. The successful demonstration underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in developing ocean observing technologies that can provide actionable intelligence for climate resilience and preparedness. Looking ahead, the SSCS project aims to further develop ocean observing technologies that can transform prototypes into reliable data streams. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing collaboration is expected to drive innovation and strengthen industry partnerships in marine autonomy and sensing technologies.

Marine Research ACUA Ocean automation autonomous underwater vehicles auv
Multi-robot Demo Showcases New Plymouth Subsea Test Range

Multi-robot Demo Showcases New Plymouth Subsea Test Range

A newly established underwater trials site in the UK has successfully conducted its inaugural major test, showcasing a live demonstration of a multi-marine surface and subsea robotic platform. This event marks a significant step forward in advancing marine autonomy and enhancing ocean sensing capabilities. The trials aim to foster innovation in marine technology, addressing the growing need for sophisticated underwater exploration and monitoring solutions. By providing a dedicated environment for testing, the site is expected to facilitate the development of cutting-edge robotic systems that can operate effectively in challenging marine conditions. The successful demonstration underscores the potential for these technologies to transform the way oceanic research and operations are conducted, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

multi-robot demo showcase plymouth subsea test range sonardyne smart sound connect subsurface (sscs) project smart sound plymouth
Robosys Automation Leads PROJECT ORACLES Consortium To Transform Consenting Process Of Offshore Wind Farms

Robosys Automation Leads PROJECT ORACLES Consortium To Transform Consenting Process Of Offshore Wind Farms

Robosys Automation is spearheading Project ORACLES, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the environmental consenting process for offshore wind farms (OWFs). This collaborative effort involves key partners such as ACUAOcean, MSEIS, Plymouth Marine Laboratories, and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. The project, which seeks to streamline and enhance the regulatory framework for offshore wind energy development, is set to make significant strides in promoting sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging advanced marine autonomy systems, Project ORACLES aims to address the complexities and challenges associated with environmental assessments, ultimately facilitating a more efficient pathway for the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.