Engineered Syntactic Systems Provides Buoyancy Solutions for Bluefin Robotics AUVs

By Caroline Rees / 06 Nov 2014

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Bluefin Robotics AUVEngineered Syntactic Systems (ESS), a global supplier of syntactic solutions, has provided Bluefin Robotics with syntactic buoyancy systems for their family of AUVs, including the 4500-metre Artemis 21 used in the ongoing search for missing Malaysia Airlines’ Flight 370.

The Bluefin 21 was designed for extended remote operations in the hostile conditions of the deep sea. At just 21 inches in diameter, space for uplift (buoyancy) is limited, but critical. ESS worked closely with Bluefin to engineer a buoyancy solution that would meet their design specifications, providing a syntactic material with the lowest density available for that depth, thereby the most lift.

“The folks at Bluefin came to us looking for a buoyancy package that could go to 4500 meters and still fulfill their stringent density requirements. We worked closely with them to develop a product that would meet their needs,” says Thomas Murray, managing partner at Engineered Syntactic Systems.

The unique capabilities of ESS’ high-performance syntactics allow manned and unmanned vehicles like the Bluefin 21 AUV to operate for long periods of time at the deepest ocean depths. ESS syntactic materials deliver high hydrostatic strength and the best buoyancy-to-depth ratio available today.

“ESS has extensive knowledge in the area of syntactic materials,” said Harry Stants, Director of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Bluefin Robotics. “We trusted them to develop a buoyancy system that would keep the overall vehicle weight low – but was durable enough to take the pressure of the operational depth.”

With the world watching, it was in part the confidence in ESS’ buoyancy system that helped Bluefin and the vehicle operations team assess the overall operational risks and successfully take the AUV deeper than its design depth during the search.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Jun 20, 2025
New AI Emission Detector for Autonomous Drones Enables Remote Methane Monitoring

Percepto has introduced an AI-powered emission detection system that combines autonomous drones and real-time analytics to streamline methane monitoring and regulatory compliance for oil and gas operators

Jun 20, 2025
CRP Technology Receives ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Certification for Additive Manufacturing

CRP Technology has obtained ISO 14001:2015 certification from DNV, covering its additive manufacturing processes and confirming alignment with international environmental management standards

Jun 20, 2025
Chess Dynamics Demonstrates Advanced AI Tracking in Challenging Field Trials

Chess Dynamics has demonstrated its advanced AI tracking technology in demanding multi-domain trials, showcasing reliable target tracking, classification and sensor performance in complex conditions

Jun 20, 2025
Marine Laboratory Advances Shallow Water Mapping with RIEGL Bathymetric LiDAR

Plymouth Marine Laboratory is advancing shallow water mapping using RIEGL's UAV-mounted bathymetric LiDAR, enabling high-resolution, low-impact environmental data collection and research

Jun 20, 2025
Evolito to Develop Electric Propulsion System in New Aerospace Collaboration

Evolito and VÆRIDION have partnered to develop electric propulsion technology for the Microliner aircraft, aiming to deliver improved propulsion efficiency and operational safety

Jun 19, 2025

Featured Content

Exail Showcases Integrated USV & AUV Operations in Collaborative Trial

Exail’s DriX USV and Ifremer’s Ulyx AUV were jointly deployed for the first time, demonstrating advanced cooperative capabilities in deep-sea exploration

Jun 19, 2025
HBK Updates RTK Service for Precise Positioning in Autonomous Systems

HBK has updated its SensorCloud RTK service, integrating with MicroStrain by HBK navigation systems to provide centimeter-level accuracy and simplified deployment for autonomous systems

Jun 17, 2025
MEMS DC Accelerometers from SDI Deliver Superior Performance for Unmanned Systems

SDI's MEMS DC accelerometers offer a robust solution for unmanned aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles, providing precise static and dynamic motion sensing, crucial for autonomous navigation, attitude feedback, and structural monitoring

Jun 12, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.