ACUA Ocean and Robosys make waves announcing global partnership to integrate Voyager AI systems with hydrogen-powered ACUA USV
PRESS RELEASE
The ocean monitoring and protection innovator and unmanned craft specialist, ACUA Ocean, has signed a commercial contract to integrate Robosys Automation’s ground-breaking Voyager AI vessel control systems with its unique ACUA hydrogen-powered H-USV.
The contract marks ACUA Ocean’s ongoing commitment to further develop its range of innovative long endurance hydrogen-fuelled uncrewed surface vessels for open ocean monitoring and data collection, across the security, offshore energy, and marine conservation sectors.
Partnering with Robosys Automation, ACUA plans to undertake a phased approach of integrating the Voyager AI vessel control software with its hybrid electric and hydrogen propulsion systems. Robosys’ Voyager AI is regarded as a world-leading maritime artificial intelligence (AI) software, which delivers autonomous navigation and remote control for uncrewed surface vessels’ (USV) control systems at various levels of autonomy.
ACUA’s highly seaworthy offshore H-USV will deliver up to 40 days of endurance, meaning increased operational time on site and data collection through its novel modular sensor payload system. The integration of Robosys’ solutions will provide navigational, platform controls, and supported decision aids, to deliver precise USV monitoring and protection to oceanic operations.
ACUA Ocean has deployed its first mobile Remote Operations Centre situated at its Plymouth (UK) headquarters, with vessel Harbour and Sea Acceptance Testing commencing in H2 2024. This will rigorously evaluate its Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design for seakeeping and manoeuvrability, as well as its unique hydrogen-electric hybrid powertrain and command, control, and communications systems.
ACUA Ocean’s H-USVs are powered by RAD Propulsion’s drive-by-wire 40kW electric twin drives allowing clean and efficient control by third party systems such as Robosys. RAD’s drives provide exceptional control and manoeuvrability.
Nigel Lee, CSO of Robosys Automation, which is headquartered at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (UK) comments,
“Combining the unique features of ACUA’s H-USV with Robosys’ Voyager AI solutions will result in ACUA Ocean’s pioneering H-USV continuing to be the most innovative uncrewed surface vessel available in the market, both now and in the foreseeable future.”
Commenting on the agreement, Oli Mulcahy, ACUA’s Head of Product said,
“ACUA is excited to be working with Robosys, and to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technology across the marine sector. After a lengthy evaluation process, it was evident that Robosys’ system offers both flexible and dynamic solutions, and a roadmap to future certifications for unmanned systems controls which will be key to scaling the use of autonomous technologies.”
Through the partnership with Robosys, the H-USVs will operate to Workboat Code Edition 3, Annex 2, ROUV. Additionally, as part of the agreement, the companies will further collaborate in workshops with the Maritime Coastguard Agency and Lloyd’s Register, aiming to obtain UK Flag and vessel class society certification of the ACUA H-USV with Robosys Voyager AI software.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
ROBOSYS AUTOMATION
Since 2012, Robosys Automation has been regarded as the world leader in Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) and Vessel Control Systems (VCS), together with Autonomous Operations; delivering pioneering and intelligent navigation and control solutions to crewed, lean-crewed and autonomous vessels, USVs and ships, from 3m to 320m.
Headquartered at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, Robosys has regional offices in India, USA, and Canada. Robosys’ solutions are proven and boast full IMO Degree 4 Maritime Autonomy capability.
Robosys has two decades of experience in developing and supporting AI maritime autonomy and smart shipping solutions with its platform, propulsion, and sensor-agnostic software; for both operational purposes, and for training simulation in synthetic environments.
Robosys’ solutions include its ground-breaking VOYAGER AI software which transforms any motorised vessel into a fully autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV); which features independent navigation, collision and obstacle avoidance, anti-grounding, and dynamic route optimisation.
In addition, Robosys offers numerous options to complement VOYAGER AI, including COLREGS-compliant Collision Avoidance Decision Aid (CADA) applications, to enhance the safety in the support of crewed and lean crewed watchkeepers. Other options include Voyager Platform Control providing Remote Steering, Engine Control and Propulsion Control, together with Voyager Platform Management, providing Alarm Monitoring, together with Switch & Relay Controlling.
Applications are used in vessels undertaking surveying, pilotage, defence, bulk, short sea, search and rescue, and research operations.
Robosys’ international partners include the Australian Maritime College (AMC Search), Maritime Research Institute of Netherlands (MARIN) and the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre (MRIC) at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC).
Find out more about Robosys Automation at www.robosysautomation.com
ACUA OCEAN
ACUA Ocean is a leading global USV manufacturer, headquartered at Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, UK, which specialising in the monitoring and protection of oceans.
ACUA Ocean’s USVs and designs are manufactured at scale, moving from traditional shipbuilding to production more commonly seen in the aviation of automotive industries.
By taking a circular economy approach, ACUA Ocean operates in an ethical and sustainable way committing to being net zero. ACUA only uses the most sustainable and ethical materials and processes. Where zero emissions cannot be achieved in the up or down supply chain ACUA Ocean commits to carbon offset these emissions.
Find out more about ACUA Ocean at www.acua-ocean.com
RAD PROPULSION
RAD Propulsion is an innovative and sustainable marine technology company. It was established by a team of UK engineers and tech entrepreneurs, aiming to cut carbon emissions in the maritime industry by making top quality products that are quieter, smarter, easy to use and people are proud to own.
Its first product to market is the RAD 40 electric drive – lightweight with intuitive operating features, it provides a clean, safe, and reliable propulsion system option for boat builders and owners.
Find out more about RAD Propulsion at www.radpropulsion.com
ROBOSYS’ VOYAGER AI
Following Robosys Automation’s simulated and worldwide live testing spanning from Canada though the USA, UK, Europe, ME, India to Australia, from its UK headquarters at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, combined with customer data, Voyager AI boasts improved collision avoidance, and enhanced unique twinning to vessel operational characteristics and mission profile.
New and improved collision avoidance algorithms have been devised through extensive utilisation of simulation software combined with real-time challenges. Multi-vessel avoidance manoeuvre scenarios have also been tested and further enhanced, with Voyager AI featuring improved Explainable collision regulations’ (COLREGs) compliance.
In addition, the Loss of Communications (LoC) function is now a licensable feature of Voyager AI, providing peace of mind to operators by enabling mission continuity in the event of a breakdown in communications.
Furthermore, improved vessel track and dynamic navigational path changes are made in accordance with a vessels’ specific manoeuvrability and its other performance characteristics, which results in a manoeuvring path matched to that vessel’s characteristics.
Navigational paths are now set and validated according to user-selected chart parameters, Voyager AI can now be swiftly tuned according to the specific vessel operating area, such as ocean, coastal, or inshore waters.
An exciting addition to Voyager AI has been the addition of an integrated Remote & Autonomous Platform Alarm, Monitoring & Control System (AMCS) tailored by Robosys to provide full support for USVs.
Voyager AI also integrates and controls multiple ship’s hardware, including vessel systems, switches, relays and monitoring systems and alarms. This can range from deck and hull sensors, through to creating an auto-response to initiate an automatic fire extinguisher thanks to tailored pre-set values.
Key to platform integration is the alignment of payload control with vessel control systems and thus Voyager’s AMCS now integrates payload control and the vessel’s performance for seamless USV maritime operations which is specifically aligned to best suit the mission.
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PRESS CONTACT
For further information and interviews please contact Hannah Kent Colls, Director of The Watermark Consultancy.
t +44(0)7876 541876 e hannah@watermark360.com