Revolutionizing Maritime Navigation: The Mayflower autonomous Ship
Silicon Sensing Systems has revealed that its cutting-edge DMU30 inertial measurement unit (IMU) has been chosen to deliver precise attitude data for the autopilot system of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS 400) as it embarks on its global journey.
Mission and Importance of the MAS 400 Project
The MAS 400 initiative aims to create an autonomous vessel designed for scientific exploration, boasting the endurance and reliability necessary for remote operations across the globe. The ship’s inaugural unmanned voyage across the Atlantic is set to coincide with Plymouth,england’s ‘Mayflower 400’ celebrations in 2020,marking the 400th anniversary of the original Mayflower’s journey from Plymouth,UK,to Plymouth,MA,USA. Following this historic crossing, the MAS 400 will continue its expedition around the world.
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Expert Insights from Silicon Sensing Systems
Steve Capers,General Manager of Silicon Sensing systems Ltd,expressed pride in contributing to this visionary project: “As a company rooted in Plymouth,we are thrilled to provide our technology for such an inspiring endeavor. The data from our DMU30 will empower the operators of the MAS 400 to navigate confidently across the globe.”
Technical Excellence of the DMU30 IMU
The DMU30 represents Silicon Sensing’s latest advancement in high-performance micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) IMUs, specifically engineered for applications demanding precise motion sensing, such as the MAS 400. This unit features a full six degrees of freedom (DoF) and utilizes proprietary gyroscopes and accelerometers, resulting in a compact, durable, and cost-effective solution that rivals the performance of larger, more expensive fiber optic gyro (FOG)-based systems.
Future of Unmanned Platforms
Capers further noted, “As the market for unmanned systems evolves, we foresee a growing demand for performance that not only matches but surpasses that of manned platforms, all while operating within smaller dimensions and lower power constraints. The DMU30 IMU excels in this regard, delivering capabilities typically associated with FOG technology in a lightweight, energy-efficient, and affordable package.”
Current Developments and Applications
A DMU30 unit has already been supplied to MSubs Ltd for thorough testing of the MAS 400. These units are currently in full-scale production at the Plymouth facility and are being utilized in various applications. Additionally, the DMU30 is undergoing evaluation for several subsea and survey projects, with initial results surpassing expectations.
