AGISTAR is at the forefront of developing innovative robotic vehicles tailored for various water management and research initiatives. In a recent discussion, UST engaged with Andre Gallissaires to explore their versatile and smart unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), crafted to enhance scientific and environmental operations globally.
AGISTAR’s Vision and Technological Advancements
Could you elaborate on AGISTAR’s primary mission and how your innovations are transforming unmanned systems?
AGISTAR aims to make marine technology accessible by eliminating financial and operational hurdles. Our focus is on creating intelligent and adaptable USVs that cater to a variety of scientific endeavors, ranging from oceanographic studies to environmental assessments.
We enhance unmanned systems operations through the integration of advanced navigation systems, energy-efficient propulsion, and customizable payloads, enabling precise and autonomous missions across various aquatic settings. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our use of eco-amiable materials and the design of systems that minimize environmental footprints while maximizing operational effectiveness.
Distinctive Features of AGISTAR’s Navigation Systems
What differentiates AGISTAR’s autonomous navigation solutions from other systems available in the market?
AGISTAR’s navigation systems stand out due to their combination of affordability, versatility, and user-friendliness. Our USVs are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, making them deployable in challenging locations where larger vessels may struggle.
Designed for a variety of missions—be it research, monitoring, or aquaculture—our USVs are fully customizable and user-centric. We don’t just sell a product; we offer tailored engineering support, collaborating closely with clients to ensure each USV is fine-tuned for its specific mission, delivering dependable performance without sacrificing cost-effectiveness or usability.
Navigating GPS-Denied Environments
How does AGISTAR tackle challenges in environments lacking GPS, and what option navigation technologies do you employ?
The BX-USV is engineered to function effectively even in areas without GPS access, utilizing a navigation approach that incorporates sensor fusion and alternative technologies.
users receive real-time data through the USV’s control system, accessible via our mobile application and software. In the event of a GPS signal loss, live video feeds are transmitted directly to the remote operator, ensuring ongoing situational awareness.
This capability is supported by a digital wireless transmission system,akin to a wireless network. If the USV loses connection, it can either continue on its predetermined path or autonomously return to its launch point.
Levels of Autonomy and Control
What autonomy levels do your systems offer, and how do you manage remote supervision, manual control, or shared control scenarios?
The BX-USV accommodates various autonomy levels to meet diverse operational requirements. It can function in manual mode, allowing operators to control the USV in real-time via remote devices, or in autonomous mode, where it adheres to a pre-set mission plan, including route adjustments and return capabilities.
Operators can monitor the USV’s performance in real-time through a specialized control interface, which displays live telemetry, sonar data, video feeds, battery status, and mission progress, ensuring extensive situational awareness even during autonomous operations.
Additionally, we offer a manual override feature, enabling operators to regain control at any moment.
This adaptable autonomy framework ensures the BX-USV is reliable for both routine tasks and complex, dynamic environments.
Innovations on the Horizon
what recent advancements or product innovations is AGISTAR especially excited about, and what future developments are in the pipeline for your unmanned technology solutions?
We are thrilled about the introduction of the OXR T100, the world’s first remotely controlled electric propeller, designed for rapid integration onto inflatable boats within a minute. This lightweight and secure propeller is perfect for researchers engaged in bathymetric studies.
We are also in the process of developing a new generation of USV propellers intended for replacement only in cases of entanglement with seaweed or mechanical failure of the underwater propulsion system.
Our research and development teams are continuously striving to push the boundaries of innovation.
Thank you for your time today, and we wish you the best with your upcoming product developments. We look forward to more updates.
