Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
RTsys Underwater Technologies and Singapore Navy Deploy COMET-MCM Drones for Maritime Security
RTsys Underwater Technologies, the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have announced the operational deployment of COMET-MCM autonomous underwater vehicles. These drones are designed to detect and identify naval mines, marking a significant advancement in the Singapore Navy's mine countermeasures capabilities. The Singapore Strait is a crucial maritime route, with nearly 150,000 ships passing through annually. The deployment of COMET-MCM systems aims to enhance maritime safety by addressing underwater threats, particularly naval mines, which could disrupt international trade and maritime safety in the Asia-Pacific region. The COMET-MCM drones operate autonomously for over twelve hours, equipped with high-resolution side scan sonar for precise mapping of underwater areas. This integration into the Singapore Navy's strategy allows for efficient reconnaissance and complements data from minehunters, improving mission effectiveness. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Review of Underwater Grippers for Dexterous Manipulation and Enabling Technologies
A recent review published in the Journal of Field Robotics examines the design and technologies behind underwater grippers for dexterous manipulation. These grippers are essential for various underwater applications, including marine research and exploration, where precise handling of objects is crucial. The significance of this review lies in its comprehensive analysis of the current state of underwater gripper technology, highlighting advancements that enhance their functionality and adaptability. As underwater tasks become more complex, the need for sophisticated grippers that can perform delicate operations is increasingly important. Looking ahead, the review suggests that ongoing research and development in this field will focus on improving the dexterity and efficiency of underwater grippers. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
SURVEY ARTICLE
AI Robots Enhance Underwater Safety by Monitoring Divers' Breathing Through Bubble Analysis
A research team from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has developed an innovative AI model that enables underwater companion robots to monitor divers' breathing rates in real-time by analyzing the bubbles they exhale. This groundbreaking study, published in the International Journal of Robotics Research, marks the first application of computer vision for underwater human respiration tracking, providing a new technological pathway for diving safety. The underwater environment poses significant physiological challenges, such as fatigue, hyperventilation, and pressure fluctuations, which are amplified in deep-sea conditions. Traditional biosensors are ineffective underwater due to the heavy diving suits that obstruct skin contact, and wireless data transmission through water is often unstable. The research team's solution allows robots to 'see' breathing by training autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with cameras to analyze the volume and frequency of exhaled bubbles, categorizing the diver's breathing patterns as 'below normal,' 'normal,' or 'above normal.' This technology has implications beyond academia, benefiting commercial diving, scientific exploration, and military operations. A robot partner capable of interpreting the physiological state of a team in real-time can mitigate potential safety hazards early on. As robots evolve from mere task executors to proactive assessors of partner conditions, the dangers of deep-sea environments are being redefined, all starting from the interpretation of a series of bubbles.
Underwater Robotics AI Technology Diving Safety Computer Vision Marine Research
US Coast Guard Pursues Advanced Technologies to Detect and Counter Underwater Drones
The United States Coast Guard is enhancing maritime security by exploring advanced technologies aimed at detecting and neutralizing underwater drones. As these unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) become more sophisticated, they pose significant threats to critical maritime assets, including ports and naval bases. The Coast Guard's initiative seeks innovative solutions that can continuously monitor underwater environments and respond to potential threats. The growing concern over UUVs stems from their dual-use capabilities, serving both legitimate purposes and potential malicious activities such as espionage and sabotage. The Coast Guard's efforts reflect a broader trend in global maritime security, where nations are investing in autonomous underwater technologies to protect coastlines and critical infrastructure. Experts emphasize the need for integrated surveillance systems to ensure early detection and rapid response to underwater threats. As the US Coast Guard seeks next-generation counter-drone capabilities, the focus will be on developing effective detection and response systems. This initiative is crucial for strengthening maritime security and preparing for future challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of underwater drones in both public and military operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Military
Eni and Fincantieri Group Sign a Strategic Agreement to Enhance Innovative Underwater Monitoring Technologies
Eni S.p.A and Fincantieri have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance the capabilities of Clean Sea, an advanced underwater robotic system developed by Eni. This agreement, announced recently, involves Fincantieri's subsidiary IDS – Ingegneria dei Sistemi, which specializes in unmanned systems and advanced sensor technologies. The collaboration aims to improve the monitoring of marine ecosystems and the integrity of subsea infrastructure. By leveraging Clean Sea's innovative technology, the two companies seek to address environmental concerns and ensure the sustainability of underwater operations. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to utilizing advanced robotics in environmental monitoring and infrastructure maintenance.
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Design and Testing of a Minimal Configuration Underwater Micro‐Glider: Automating Lake and Reservoir Monitoring
The Journal of Field Robotics has recently published an early view article highlighting advancements in robotic technology and its applications in various fields. This publication, which became available in October 2023, showcases innovative research conducted by a team of engineers and scientists from leading universities and research institutions. The article focuses on the development of autonomous robots designed for complex tasks in environments such as agriculture, disaster response, and exploration. The research aims to address the growing need for efficient and reliable robotic systems capable of operating in challenging conditions, driven by the increasing demand for automation in various industries. Through rigorous testing and experimentation, the authors detail the methodologies employed in creating these advanced robotic systems, emphasizing their potential to enhance productivity and safety. The findings presented in this publication are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on the future of robotics and its integration into everyday life. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, this early view article serves as a timely reminder of the transformative impact that innovative technologies can have on society, paving the way for further research and development in the coming years.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
SEAVORIAN Group Announces the Acquisition of MAPPEM Geophysics to Consolidate its Expertise in Underwater Detection Technologies
The SEAVORIAN group, along with its subsidiaries RTSYS and NEOTEK, has announced the acquisition of MAPPEM Geophysics, a French firm renowned for its expertise in marine and underwater geophysical studies and services. This strategic move, revealed recently, aims to enhance SEAVORIAN's capabilities in the geophysical sector and expand its service offerings. The acquisition reflects SEAVORIAN's commitment to strengthening its position in the market and leveraging MAPPEM's specialized knowledge to meet growing demands in marine geophysical research. The integration of MAPPEM's advanced technologies and skilled workforce is expected to facilitate innovative solutions and improve operational efficiencies in underwater exploration and analysis.
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RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
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