Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Seasats Secures $24 Million in Orders for Lightfish USVs to Enhance Military Surveillance
Seasats, based in New Zealand, has reported securing $24 million in funded orders for its Lightfish unmanned surface vessel (USV) in August and early September. These orders include boats for the US Navy and Marine Corps, indicating a rising demand for small, long-endurance USVs among military users. The Lightfish, an 11-foot solar-powered drone boat, is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its ability to operate autonomously for extended periods allows military forces to monitor vast maritime areas without deploying crewed vessels, thus providing a cost-effective solution for persistent maritime awareness. Looking ahead, Seasats aims to expand its offerings through its robot-as-a-service (RaaS) model, which allows military customers to utilize the USVs without the need for extensive maintenance and training infrastructure. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Innovation Military
Seasats' Lightfish USV Encounters Chinese Destroyer, Raising Engagement Rule Concerns
A Lightfish uncrewed surface vessel (USV) owned by Seasats had a notable encounter with a Chinese Type 052D guided missile destroyer near the Philippines. The incident, reported by Reuters, occurred approximately 73 miles northeast of Luzon Island, highlighting the increasing presence of USVs in strategic maritime areas. This encounter underscores the potential risks posed by USVs to advanced naval vessels, raising critical questions about the rules of engagement for navies and merchant ships operating in contested regions. The Luzon Strait, a vital waterway, could become a focal point for future conflicts, particularly in the context of tensions surrounding Taiwan. The Lightfish USV, which can operate for extended periods thanks to its solar-powered hybrid system, tracked the Chinese destroyer from a distance of about 10 nautical miles. While the destroyer took evasive action upon noticing the USV, the intent behind the encounter remains unclear. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Sea Destroyers Navies People's Liberation Army Navy (China) Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)
Seasats Introduces the Lightfish Security System: A Cost-Effective, Modular ASV for Persistent Maritime Domain Awareness
Seasats, a U.S. company specializing in autonomous maritime systems, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Lightfish Security System. This advanced autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) is engineered to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across various environments, including coastal areas, harbors, and open oceans. The launch of the Lightfish Security System aims to address the growing demand for persistent maritime monitoring and security solutions. By integrating cutting-edge technology, Seasats seeks to provide a reliable tool for maritime operations, ensuring enhanced safety and operational efficiency in critical areas.
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