Robosys Automation, an AI-driven maritime autonomy and smart-shipping specialist, has secured a contract from Legacy Marine of South Africa for the supply and integration of AI systems for a fully autonomous USV.
The USV’s control system for autonomous navigation uses Robosys’ Voyager AI system, which provides for the onboard navigation, visual and autonomous control of the USV at various levels of autonomy.
UK Headquartered Robosys’ cutting-edge VOYAGER AI system is a full stack autonomy solution that is supported by artificial intelligence combined with innovative decision-aid algorithms enabling fully autonomous USVs from 3 – 340 meters.
VOYAGER AI VESSEL, which will be installed on the USV, enables any motorized vessel or waterborne craft to become fully autonomous. Voyager AI Vessel features advanced Collision Avoidance including COLREGS Compliance, that enables the remote operations center team to autonomously operate the vessel with the assurance that it will actively avoid collision and alert the teams with information and reasoned decision aids.
The bespoke fully autonomous AI-driven USV has been designed by Icarus Marine and will be constructed by Legacy Marine, which is headquartered in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa.
The 9.5m unmanned surface vessel (USV) can be launched from ashore or from floating platforms such as logistic support ships, frigates and other mothercraft, to perform patrol, surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue functions, amongst others.
The USV features an aluminium hull, powered by a Volvo Penta D-6-400 engine, with steering and onboard systems, monitoring and controls, which includes payload and surveillance sensors. The USV is a versatile and multi-function platform that allows for the installation of most industry-standard sensors and effectors.
The USV consists of three main segments:
- The USV platform, consisting of hull, Volvo Penta D6-400 propulsion, steering, electrical and onboard systems monitoring and control (fuel, bilges, tank levels, navigation lights).
- The control system for autonomous navigation, consisting of the Robosys Voyager AI system. This provides for the onboard navigation, visual and autonomous control of the USV (at various levels of autonomy).
- The payload package, including surveillance sensors.
Voyager AI Vessel provides fully autonomous navigation for uncrewed or lean crewed vessel. Utilising EDGE Computing, VOYAGER AI features also include smart mission continuity of operations under a loss of communications situation.
The project was spearheaded and is being managed by Consultant, Eddie Noble of Noble Concentric Solutions, also based in South Africa, who has been supported by Robosys Automation’s regional dealer, Soteria Advanced Technologies, which is based in Cape Town.
Nigel Lee, CSO of Robosys, commented; “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this first contract by Legacy Marine. A significant deciding factor was Robosys’ proven and fielded AI-driven maritime autonomy software, Voyager AI Vessel, together with Icarus Marine / Legacy Marine’s innovative USV design.”
Kevin Gray, Commercial Manager of Legacy Marine, added; “We selected Robosys as they are flexible, agile and proactive whilst offering a proven, best of a breed, true level 4 maritime autonomy capability.”
