Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
AUKUS partners sign agreement on underwater drones, speed up sub plan
Australia has decided to abandon plans to purchase a new Virginia-class submarine, opting instead to acquire a decommissioned submarine from the United States Navy. This decision reflects a strategic shift in Australia’s defense procurement approach, aiming to enhance its naval capabilities while managing costs. The change comes amid ongoing discussions about regional security and military readiness, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region. The acquisition of the ex-US Navy submarine is expected to provide Australia with immediate operational capabilities, allowing for a quicker integration into its fleet compared to a new build, which would require more time and resources.
Global Naval Warfare Asia AUKUS Pillar 2 Drones Europe
REMUS 620 Conducts First Torpedo Tube Recovery and Swimout
A collaborative effort involving HII, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport has achieved a significant milestone in underwater technology. The team successfully recovered a second-generation REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle into a Virginia-class submarine torpedo tube and shutterway test fixture. This operation took place at Seneca Lake, New York, marking a crucial advancement in the integration of advanced underwater systems into military submarines. The successful recovery demonstrates the capabilities of the REMUS 620 and its potential applications for naval operations, enhancing the U.S. Navy's underwater surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
