SeeByte, a developer of smart software for unmanned maritime systems, has announced that Subsea 7, a subsea engineering services company, has successfully integrated SeeByte’s CoPilot software with the work-class ROVs on board the Normand Oceanic. The vessel is equipped with two of the latest versions of its work-class Hercules ROV, which are deployed through the vessel’s own moonpool and capable to 3000m below sea level.
CoPilot is ROV piloting software that permits pilot-controlled auto-transit and stop-and-hover, whilst providing automated sonar tracking and movement relative to a target. CoPilot can be retrofitted to any ROV system.
Subsea 7’s team on board the Normand Oceanic were able to successfully integrate CoPilot with their Hercules 15 and Hercules 30 ROVs. Feedback has been positive from the ROVs’ pilots, particularly with regards to the user interface which summarises all the data from the vehicle and its sensors onto one screen.
Andrew Foster, ROV Fleet and Project Support Manager at Subsea 7 commented: “SeeByte’s CoPilot system provides our Hercules ROV pilots with a stable platform to offset the effects of poor visibility and current, allowing them to fully focus on the task at hand. The system flexibility allows us to swiftly install it as and when specific client requirements determine. SeeByte has provided us with a comprehensive and responsive level of support throughout the process. In this latest installation to the Normand Oceanic, the team have also proven their competence in addressing and resolving any issues that have arisen on the vessel remotely.”
