Sea Machines Rolls Out Autonomous Vessel Tech
Sea Machines Robotics, a Boston-based developer of autonomous technology for marine vessels, said its introductory line of intelligent command and control systems has successfully completed product sea trials.
The two new products, SM300 and SM200, unlock task-driven, computer-guided vessel operations, bringing advanced autonomy within reach for small- and large-scale operators, the company said. Already in use in North America and Europe, Sea Machines' products for offshore commercial, scientific and government applications have been designed to provided advances in productivity, predictability, performance and safety.
The flagship SM300 integrates with existing vessel systems and sensors to manage pre-planned and dynamically charted missions through:
- A point-and-go user interface
- Pilot-by-wire propulsion and steering control
- Certified, embedded Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Situational awareness via electronic charts, ARPA and AIS
- Obstacle and traffic avoidance
- Remote communications via wireless, 4G and satellite
- Real-time data feed to remote operator
- Condition monitoring of hull and machinery
- Remote payload control
The SM300 is an industrial-grade vessel intelligence system providing "operator-in-the loop" autonomous command and control, plus direct remote-control operation via wireless belt pack. Targeted applications include multi-waypoint missions, ocean search and survey, patrol and surveillance, and mothership-daughter vessel collaborations.
The SM200 provides fully integrated, line-of-sight and remote-vessel control for collaborative vessel operations.
"This is the advanced technology that mariners have long been awaiting," said Sea Machines' CEO Michael G. Johnson. "Our products allow operators and crew to focus on higher-value tasks while at sea, empowering a commercial vessel to do more with predictable results and lower operational costs. Missions such as survey, fishing, dredging, surveillance and offshore energy support can now be executed productively around the clock and in extreme weather conditions, with improved crew safety and efficiency."
The SM product family can be installed into existing or new-build vessels, and incorporates communication interfaces for integration with onboard digital, analog and mechanical systems. Sea Machine's modular design ensures that installation and commissioning can be completed in days for most vessels.
Sea Machine's SM300 and SM200 systems are manufactured in the USA and available for immediate sale.