In recent decades, marine robotics has proven to be the key enabling technology in the execution of increasingly complex at-sea missions. One clear manifestation of this is the ascendency of Autonomous Surface Vehicles, or ASVs. While early ASVs (back in the 1990s) were mostly inspired by aquaculture, modern-day advances in multibeam sonar, data processing, and GNSS positions have ushered in a new era of high-quality data acquisition. Today, ASVs are the preferred means of instrumentation among hydrographers.
Current Updates From SeaRobotics
SeaRobotics Corporation (SRC), a leading developer of marine robotics, today announced details of their next generation Utility Class ASV, the SR-Utility 3.0. This latest addition to the SRC portfolio is designed to extend the range and versatility of unmanned coastal marine survey operations by providing professional surveyors with a configurable platform that allows for interchangeable payloads and sensors, including the incorporation of existing instrumentation.
SeaRobotics Corporation, a leading developer of unmanned marine systems, announced a contract award to supply multiple SR-Surveyor M1.8 ASVs to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to help the Department of the Navy develop its advanced autonomy research program. The SR-Surveyor M1.8 is a tightly integrated, 1.8-meter long ASV designed to streamline logistics and optimize data acquisition in shallow and hard-to-navigate waters. The platform is specifically purposed to be versatile and rapidly deployable for users that require high quality, reliable data capture in remote and restricted waters.