Cellula Robotics has integrated Sonardyne navigation and positioning technology across its fleet of long-range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) platforms.
The developer of autonomous subsea robotic systems has placed orders for multiple SPRINT-Nav X systems, which represent Sonardyne’s highest grade of underwater navigation technology. This selection is intended to support a variety of AUV programs where reliability and accuracy are paramount for detect, inspect, and protect missions.
In addition to navigation, Cellula has opted for the AvTrak 6 system to manage tracking, communications, and mission control. The technology package also includes multiple Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) systems. These specific units are Gyro USBL variants, which consolidate heading, pitch, roll, and an acoustic transceiver into a single pre-calibrated unit to simplify deployment and improve overall accuracy for end users during testing and demonstration.
The integration focuses on supporting Cellula’s hydrogen fuel-cell powered vessels, such as the Guardian and Porter AUVs. These 12-meter-long platforms are designed for surveillance and cargo delivery, featuring a 5,000-liter payload capacity. With an endurance of up to 45 days and a range of 5,000 km, these vehicles require robust systems to maintain operational certainty over extended deployments.
Richard Mills, Cellula’s Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “Our users need certainty. Our AUV platforms provide persistent, long-range and long-endurance missions. Knowing where they are is an essential requirement at all times. Subsea security is a system‑of‑systems mission, our mantra of detect, inspect, and protect is aided by Sonardyne’s products to help ensure we deliver that certainty on every deployment.”
The technology will also be utilized on the Envoy AUV, an 8.5-meter hydrogen-powered vessel tailored for data gathering and seabed anchoring. By utilizing these acoustic and inertial technologies, the vehicles can maintain the precise positioning required for complex security and research tasks.
Aidan Thorn, Marine Robotics Business Development Manager at Sonardyne, added, “Cellula is shifting the dial on what underwater endurance and persistence look like. Sonardyne’s navigation and positioning technologies ensure their AUVs can fulfil demanding security, survey and research missions, where accurate navigation and reliable communications are absolutely critical.”
