Greensea IQ has renewed its prototype contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the U.S. Navy, following the prosperous conclusion of Phase 3 of the Autonomous Expeditionary Maritime Response Vehicle (AEMRV) prototype last autumn.
This contract adjustment aims to demonstrate a production-ready edge processing setup of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Workspace, referred to as EOD Edge, within Greensea’s IQNS framework.
This configuration incorporates advanced autonomy and Automatic Target recognition (ATR) technologies, representing a meaningful advancement in equipping U.S. Navy EOD Technicians with state-of-the-art tools.
Enhancing ROVs with EOD Edge
The introduction of EOD Edge facilitates upgrades to the current fleet of VideoRay Defender remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) utilized by the Navy and other defense organizations. these enhancements are expected to boost the operational efficiency of ROVs,providing increased scale and safety for EOD personnel engaged in maritime threat management.
The upgraded VideoRay Defenders, now featuring EOD Edge, will offer powerful solutions for underwater EOD operations. Capabilities such as sonar-based target classification and operator-assisted autonomy will enhance the precision of threat detection and neutralization.
Advancements in Phase 4
Phase 4 will focus on further developing EOD Edge by integrating advanced AI functionalities, including sonar-based target classification and operator-assisted autonomy for untethered or long-range missions. these improvements are intended to considerably enhance the capabilities and adaptability of EOD operations.
Integration of IQNS & EOD
Greensea’s IQNS system is equipped with an NVIDIA edge processor, integrated fiber optic gyroscopes, navigation sensors, and Greensea’s proprietary navigation solutions tailored for small underwater robots. IQNS acts as an upgrade for systems utilizing Greensea’s defense software suite and is implemented across the company’s robotic product range.
The system is being enhanced with advanced autonomy features to facilitate the acquisition, classification, and neutralization of underwater threats while ensuring ample standoff distances for EOD personnel.
Progressing Bayonet AUGVs
technologies developed through this initiative will refine Greensea’s EOD Edge software and IQNS integration,with a lighter deployment option anticipated through IQNS Mini. set to launch in Q4 2024,these innovations will be incorporated into Greensea’s Bayonet Autonomous Underwater Ground Vehicle (AUGV) robots and the VideoRay Defender for defense applications.
Ben kinnaman, Founder and CEO of Greensea IQ, expressed, “We are thrilled about the possibility to continue our collaboration with DIU and the Navy in the AEMRV program. I have faith in this mission and the role technology can play in enhancing safety and scalability for these vital operations.”
“While the concepts of autonomy and AI often evoke images of futuristic robots replacing humans, the reality is that these technologies, at any stage of development, can assist humans in their work at sea. In this context, these innovations will ensure the safety of warfighters, extend their operational reach, and enable them to accomplish more with fewer resources. It is remarkable that the DoD is pursuing this practical application of cutting-edge technology.”
