Industry Briefing

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U.S. Navy Exercise Demonstrates Sonar Network Tracking for Various UUVs

U.S. Navy Exercise Demonstrates Sonar Network Tracking for Various UUVs

The U.S. Navy's Exercise Lanternfish 26 showcased the capabilities of ThayerMahan's ShorePicket and Outpost systems in detecting unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These systems successfully tracked UUVs ranging from six inches to extra-large sizes, highlighting the importance of distributed acoustic sensors in maritime security. This exercise, involving U.S., British, and Australian personnel, aimed to evaluate emerging undersea technologies in realistic environments. With 50 technologies from 26 industry partners, the event focused on enhancing interoperability under AUKUS Pillar II, emphasizing the need for effective detection methods in the challenging underwater environment. Looking ahead, the integration of ThayerMahan's TransparenSea software with acoustic data processing and AI-assisted analysis will be crucial for real-time maritime situational awareness. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Military
KONGSBERG and OCEANEERING Selected by U.S. Department of War for XLUUV CAMP Program

KONGSBERG and OCEANEERING Selected by U.S. Department of War for XLUUV CAMP Program

KONGSBERG and Oceaneering International, Inc. have been chosen by the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP) program. This initiative focuses on developing an Extra-Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) for future U.S. Navy operations. The CAMP program aims to expedite the integration of mature commercial and defense technologies into operational capabilities for the Navy. The collaboration will emphasize concept definition, system architecture, and design trade studies, with a focus on modularity and interoperability. The design for the XLUUV is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of this year. This partnership leverages KONGSBERG's extensive maritime engineering legacy and Oceaneering's expertise in subsea robotic services, enhancing their ability to deliver advanced uncrewed undersea platforms.

kongsberg oceaneering u.s. department of war diu camp program xluuv
Heavy‐UUV Docking System for a Fixed Seabed Station Based on Differential Optical‐Guidance Beacons

Heavy‐UUV Docking System for a Fixed Seabed Station Based on Differential Optical‐Guidance Beacons

The Journal of Field Robotics has recently published an early view article highlighting advancements in robotic technology. Researchers from various institutions have collaborated to develop a new autonomous navigation system that enhances the efficiency and safety of field operations. This innovative system was tested in agricultural settings in California during the summer of 2023, where it demonstrated significant improvements in crop monitoring and resource management. The motivation behind this research stems from the growing need for precision agriculture, which aims to optimize farming practices and reduce environmental impact. By integrating advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms, the team was able to create a robotic platform capable of navigating complex terrains while collecting valuable data on soil health and crop conditions. The successful implementation of this technology could revolutionize the agricultural sector, providing farmers with tools to make informed decisions and increase productivity. The findings are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions about sustainable farming practices and the role of robotics in addressing global food security challenges.

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Klein Marine Systems Introduces MANTIS UUV with SmartArray Technology™ for Autonomous Underwater Missions

Klein Marine Systems Introduces MANTIS UUV with SmartArray Technology™ for Autonomous Underwater Missions

Klein Marine Systems, recognized as a global leader in advanced side scan sonar and underwater imaging technology, has unveiled its latest innovation, the MANTIS UUV. This integrated multi-channel side scan sonar system is specifically designed to enhance unmanned underwater vehicles by providing high-quality imaging and onboard processing capabilities. The announcement was made today, highlighting the company’s commitment to improving underwater exploration and data collection. The MANTIS UUV aims to streamline integration processes, making it a valuable tool for various applications in marine research and industry.

klein marine systems mantis uuv smartarray technology™ uuv auv
ThayerMahan Launches SeaGuard, A Mission-Ready Non-Kinetic UUV Defeat System to Defend Ports and Infrastructure

ThayerMahan Launches SeaGuard, A Mission-Ready Non-Kinetic UUV Defeat System to Defend Ports and Infrastructure

ThayerMahan, a prominent provider of unmanned maritime security and acoustic intelligence solutions, has officially launched SeaGuard™, a cutting-edge non-kinetic defeat system designed to safeguard high-value maritime assets and infrastructure. This innovative system addresses the increasing threats posed by Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The announcement was made today, highlighting the company’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in response to evolving challenges in underwater threats. SeaGuard™ has undergone operational validation, ensuring its effectiveness in real-world scenarios, which positions ThayerMahan as a leader in the field of maritime defense.

thayermahan seaguard uuv defeat system ports and infrastructure
Metron and Cellula Robotics Complete Multi-Mission Open-Water UUV Demonstration of ANCC-Guardian

Metron and Cellula Robotics Complete Multi-Mission Open-Water UUV Demonstration of ANCC-Guardian

Metron Inc., a leader in autonomous software for defense and commercial sectors, and Cellula Robotics Ltd., known for its robotic undersea platforms, successfully completed a multi-mission open-water demonstration off the coast of Vancouver, Canada. This sea trial, held recently, highlighted the effective integration of Metron's Autonomous Navigation Command and Control (ANCC) software with Cellula's Guardian Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV). The Guardian is designed for long-duration missions and can carry multiple payloads, enhancing mission success in challenging environments. Equipped with advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology, the Guardian boasts operational ranges of up to 5,000 kilometers and endurance of 45 to 60 days, significantly outperforming similar battery-powered systems. This demonstration represents the culmination of a yearlong collaboration involving UUV operations that combined Cellula's platforms with Metron's innovative software solutions.

metron cellula robotics multi-mission open-water uuv demonstration ancc-guardian
HII and Hitachi Lock In Multi-Year REMUS 300 UUV Production Agreement

HII and Hitachi Lock In Multi-Year REMUS 300 UUV Production Agreement

HII has secured an order from Hitachi, Ltd. for over a dozen REMUS 300 small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs). This multi-year program will see the delivery of these advanced vehicles, enhancing capabilities in underwater exploration and operations. The partnership reflects a growing demand for innovative maritime technology, as both companies aim to leverage the REMUS 300's advanced features for various applications. The deal underscores HII's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in the defense and maritime sectors.

hii hitachi remus 300 uuv production agreement
HII Delivers Initial Lionfish SUUVs to U.S. Navy Under Multi-Year Program

HII Delivers Initial Lionfish SUUVs to U.S. Navy Under Multi-Year Program

HII has successfully delivered the first two Lionfish small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) to the U.S. Navy as part of a significant contract valued at over $347 million. This delivery marks a crucial step in a program that has the potential to expand to a fleet of 200 vehicles. The initiative aims to enhance the Navy's capabilities in underwater operations, reflecting a growing emphasis on advanced unmanned systems in military applications. The delivery took place in October 2023, showcasing HII's commitment to providing innovative solutions for national defense.

hii lionfish suuv u.s. navy multi-year program
HII’s Mission Technologies Tests Next-Generation REMUS 620 UUV on US Navy Confidence Course

HII’s Mission Technologies Tests Next-Generation REMUS 620 UUV on US Navy Confidence Course

Uncrewed Systems, a division of HII’s Mission Technologies, showcased its next-generation medium-class unmanned underwater vehicle, the REMUS 620, during the U.S. Navy UUV Confidence Course held in Bangor, Washington. The vehicle was transported from its manufacturing facility in Pocasset, Massachusetts, to Keyport, Washington, where it successfully completed a series of pre-mission checks and ballasting procedures. This participation underscores the company's commitment to advancing underwater technology and enhancing the capabilities of unmanned systems for naval operations.

hii mission technologies test remus 620 uuv us navy confidence course
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