Robotics & Automation News

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Marine

SeaTrac and Sonardyne gather data from the Gulf of Mexico current

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Important oceanographic data from Atlantic Ocean currents in the US Gulf of Mexico has been gathered fully remotely, thanks to Sonardyne technology and an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) supplied by SeaTrac Systems.

A number of Sonardyne Origin 65 Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) and Current Pressure Inverted Echo Sounders (CPIES) are currently on the seabed in the Gulf of Mexico gathering long term data on the Loop Current System (LCS).

Understanding the LCS is important for oceanographers as it has a wide-reaching impact on many areas including the disruption of subsea operations, hurricane intensity and changes to nutrient and food cycles important to marine life. [Read more…] about SeaTrac and Sonardyne gather data from the Gulf of Mexico current

SMD makes first sale of its compact electric remote underwater vehicle

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Subsea technology company, SMD, has made the first sale of its compact workclass electric remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the Atom EV, to Greece’s Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), the primary Greek public body undertaking marine research in the Eastern Mediterranean.

With a 4,000 m rated turnkey system, the vehicle represents the latest technological evolution in the e-ROV sphere and will unlock a host of capabilities for HCMR.

John McCann, discussing the milestone contract win, SMD’s business development manager says: “As part of a significant upgrade to its primary marine facilities, HCMR was seeking a sustainable and adaptable vehicle with which to conduct its operations.

[Read more…] about SMD makes first sale of its compact electric remote underwater vehicle

Kongsberg’s robotic underwater vessel completes multi-week fully autonomous mission

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Kongsberg Discovery says it has reached “another successful milestone” in the development of its HUGIN Endurance in completing a “record setting multi-week fully autonomous mission”.

After receiving a final navigation update from a pre-deployed transponder 10 hours into the dive, the 8-ton, 40 ft, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operated completely independent of all human interaction and with no external navigation aiding for the duration of the sortie.

This mission was conducted at depths ranging from 50 metres to 3,400 metres and met the advertised 1,200 nautical mile range. Most impressive of all, was that HUGIN Endurance returned with a position error of approximately 0.02 percent of total distance traveled. [Read more…] about Kongsberg’s robotic underwater vessel completes multi-week fully autonomous mission

Saildrone completes autonomous survey of Gulf of Maine

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Saildrone has mapped 1,500 square nautical miles in the north-central Gulf of Maine in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s efforts to survey deep-sea coral habitat.

The Gulf of Maine is a productive and dynamic marine environment, with a diverse array of marine life, productive fisheries, unique underwater habitats, and a complex topography of deep basins, shallow banks, and steep slopes.

However, there is extremely limited mapping data available, especially in deeper waters. [Read more…] about Saildrone completes autonomous survey of Gulf of Maine

Tethys Robotics launches robot for automated underwater inspections

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Tethys Robotics, a Swiss startup in underwater robotics, has launched its latest product: Tethys ONE, an ROV/AUV hybrid designed for automated precision underwater inspections, even in the harshest conditions.

Tethys ONE stands out in the global market as a dual-functionality robot, capable of operating both via drone pilot control (ROV) and in full autonomous mode (AUV).

Weighing just 35kg (77lbs) in air, this compact yet powerful device is optimized for rapid deployment and exceptional performance in confined underwater spaces at depths of up to 300 meters (984 feet).

[Read more…] about Tethys Robotics launches robot for automated underwater inspections

USM and SeaTrac partner to test uncrewed marine vehicle in offshore hypoxia mapping

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Utilizing autonomous uncrewed vehicles and creating a sustainable US Gulf Coast continues to be one of the main goals for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and its partnership with SeaTrac Systems.

Together, they embarked on a 14-day mission to analyze potential hypoxia levels in the Gulf and its effect on the future of marine life.

Also known as dead zones, hypoxia zones are areas in which oxygen levels in water are decreased due to nutrient pollution caused by runoff rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. [Read more…] about USM and SeaTrac partner to test uncrewed marine vehicle in offshore hypoxia mapping

The Latest Trends in Boating Technology

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Technology is taking the boating industry to greater heights. It has led to better navigation and improved safety and performance.

Thanks to technological advancements, today’s boating enthusiasts expect a certain level of entertainment and comfort. Outlined below are the latest trends in boating technology. [Read more…] about The Latest Trends in Boating Technology

Chouest acquires ROVOP to expand subsea capabilities

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The Chouest Group is pleased to announce its acquisition of ROVOP, a leading remotely operated vehicle (ROV) company. With this acquisition, Chouest, alongside its subsea service company, C-Innovation, will now control a fleet of over 100 ROVs and 6 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Bringing ROVOP under the Chouest umbrella not only expands Chouest’s service offerings but also provides ROVOP with enhanced resources.

ROVOP will benefit from the support and capabilities of other Chouest companies, including its vessel based operations, Caltex Oil Tools, Bram Offshore and C-Innovation, allowing it to better serve existing clients and attract new business with expanded service offerings. [Read more…] about Chouest acquires ROVOP to expand subsea capabilities

Sea Machines Robotics unveils new unmanned ‘workboats’

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Sea Machines Robotics, a developer of marine autonomous technology, has launched “Selkie”, its latest innovation in unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

The company described the launch as “a momentous move that will further the flood tide of autonomous marine operations”.

The first model, Selkie 7, is a 7-meter USV powered by the company’s flagship SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system, Selkie represents a leap forward in autonomous technology and a new era of marine exploration and operations. [Read more…] about Sea Machines Robotics unveils new unmanned ‘workboats’

QYSEA launches ‘groundbreaking AI underwater measurement system’ for submersible robots

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QYSEA Technology has launched its QY-MT QYSEA Measurement Tool, its self-developed AI underwater intelligent precision measurement system.

The “cutting-edge technology” harnesses the robust subsea capabilities of QYSEA’s FIFISH underwater robot, heralding a new era of AI intelligence for underwater robot measurements, says the company.

The QY-MT intelligent measurement system seamlessly integrates underwater data through QYSEA’s advanced AI visual algorithms. It features real-time and offline dual measurement modes, ensuring precision even with offline videos. [Read more…] about QYSEA launches ‘groundbreaking AI underwater measurement system’ for submersible robots