Robosys Automation’s Voyager AI goes live at world-renowned MARIN

The world-leading Netherlands’ MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) has announced that it has gone live with Robosys Automation’s next generation Voyager AI intelligent autonomous navigation software.

Robosys’ Voyager AI’s unique capabilities to deliver intelligent thinking to maritime autonomy navigation was the original driver for MARIN to operate the solution with its own Dolphin Simulation software.

MARIN successfully trialled the original Voyager 100 in its Ship Simulator as part of the Netherlands Joint Industries Project, which, in 2019, culminated in North Sea trials with three ships.

Part of the project’s objectives were to measure compliance of autonomous navigation software, with the IMO international collision regulations (COLREGS), comparing candidate test software systems with Robosys’ Voyager 100 reference software.

Following this, in 2020, MARIN and Robosys announced a collaboration to enhance its testing of autonomous navigation, using Robosys’ Voyager 100 system as the benchmark. MARIN is developing a testbed with which it can test the safety and COLREGs Compliancy performance of Obstacle Avoidance Systems.

Following Robosys’ simulated and worldwide live testing, including India, Canada and Australia, from its UK headquarters at the UK’s NOC, combined with data from its recent customer deliveries, the ground-breaking latest edition of Voyager AI was launched, featuring myriad benefits.

MARIN has welcomed Robosys’ improved nextgen system, the Voyager AI. Dimitri van Heel, Senior Project Manager for MARIN comments, “Robosys Voyager 100 was tested in our simulator environment and performed well in the 2019 tests, therefore we are looking forward to evaluating the improvements included in their latest version.”

Boasting improved collision avoidance and enhanced unique twinning to vessel operational characteristics and mission profile, the new and improved collision avoidance algorithms were 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.

Taking advantage of advances in CPU design and their performance, Voyager AI ‘s core algorithms have also been optimised to run even faster than Voyager 100, to deliver enhanced autonomy at higher speeds and in more challenging shipping situations.

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 particular 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 both uncrewed and lean crewed craft.

Voyager AI now 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.

Nigel Lee CSO says, “we value this long term partnership with MARIN and are proud of the continual evolution of Robosys’ Voyager AI. MARIN’s ethos matches ours in the quest for a smart, safe and sustainable blue green economy”.

Find out more about Robosys Automation and Voyager AI maritime autonomy and smart shipping solutions at www.robosysautomation.com.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT ROBOSYS AUTOMATION

Since 2002, Robosys Automation has been regarded as the world leader in maritime autonomy and smart shipping applications, delivering pioneering and intelligent navigation solutions to crewed, lean-crewed and autonomous vessels, USVs and ships, from 3m to 320m.

Headquartered at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre with offices in India, Turkey, India 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 http://www.robosysautomation.com.

ABOUT MARIN

MARIN – Maritime Institute Research Netherlands is a globally recognised top institute for maritime research, whose mission is ‘Better Ships, Blue Oceans’. MARIN stands for clean, smart, and safe shipping and sustainable use of the sea. This is a achieved as an independent knowledge partner for the maritime sector, government and society.

Find out more about MARIN at https://www.marin.nl/en.

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PRESS CONTACT

For further information, images, and to arrange an interview please contact Hannah Kent Colls at WATERMARK, email hannah@watermark360.com or phone +44(0)7876 541876.