Industry Briefing

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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
Silicon Sensing’s sensor at the core of Kongsberg Discovery’s navigation innovation

Silicon Sensing’s sensor at the core of Kongsberg Discovery’s navigation innovation

Kongsberg Discovery AS has introduced a groundbreaking north-finding navigation device that incorporates inertial sensor technology developed by Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd. This innovative device is designed to enhance navigation capabilities in various applications. The official demonstration of the technology is scheduled to take place at Oceanology International, an industry event occurring later this month. The collaboration between Kongsberg Discovery and Silicon Sensing Systems aims to address the growing demand for precise navigation solutions in marine and other sectors, showcasing advancements in sensor technology and its practical applications.

kongsberg
Kongsberg Listen Scores Commercial Breakthrough with DOF HUGIN Order

Kongsberg Listen Scores Commercial Breakthrough with DOF HUGIN Order

Kongsberg Discovery has announced its first commercial order for the Kongsberg Listen electromagnetic sensing solution, marking a significant milestone for the company. The order comes from DOF, a prominent provider of integrated subsea and marine services for the global offshore energy sector. DOF has chosen this cutting-edge ‘passive’ technology to be incorporated into an integrated payload on a new HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The agreement was unveiled today during the Oceanology International event taking place in London, highlighting the growing interest in advanced sensing technologies within the marine industry.

kongsberg listen dof hugin
£4 m to Boost Marine Robotics Research Capabilities

£4 m to Boost Marine Robotics Research Capabilities

The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has secured a funding boost of £4 million aimed at enhancing its fleet of marine autonomous systems with next-generation sensing technologies. This investment, announced recently, is designed to support the advancement of sustainable ocean science, enabling researchers to gather more accurate and comprehensive data about marine environments. By integrating these advanced sensing capabilities, the NOC aims to improve its understanding of ocean dynamics and contribute to the global efforts in addressing climate change and preserving marine ecosystems. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to innovative research methods in the field of oceanography, positioning the NOC at the forefront of marine science advancements.

marine robotics research
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