Exail, in partnership with RTsys and ABYSSA, is pioneering swarming technology for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) aimed at conducting detailed seabed surveys at critically important depths.
The initiative, known as the CARMA project (Collaborative Autonomous Resource Mapping by AUV Swarms), focuses on developing a cutting-edge swarming solution. This involves a multi-sensor underwater drone capable of descending to depths of 3,000 meters while coordinating multiple AUVs.
This advancement will significantly expand the operational exploration area, enhancing the capabilities for mapping the ocean floor.
Exail plans to upgrade its deep-water AUV, the A18-D, to serve as the lead vehicle for the swarm. Thes enhancements will allow for navigation down to 3,000 meters, maintaining a close altitude to the seabed over varied terrains, and accurately geolocating the data collected by the swarm.
RTsys is set to enhance its newly designed AUV, the COMET-3000, enabling it to dive to 3,000 meters. Several units will be deployed as followers,alongside the creation of an innovative launch and recovery system for the AUV swarm.
ABYSSA will concentrate on formulating exploration strategies for deep-water AUV swarms and will analyze the data gathered to map magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor.
The research initiative also encompasses the development of complex collaborative navigation, acoustic communication, positioning systems, and advanced mapping technologies. CARMA aligns with the French government’s strategy to bolster deep-sea exploration capabilities.
By 2026, the project aims to deploy an operational demonstrator at sea. Additionally, CARMA will conduct a preliminary study to explore extending exploration capabilities to depths of 6,000 meters. This initiative is co-financed by Bpifrance as part of the #France2030 initiative.
Catherine Pikovsky,project manager at Exail,stated,“We are excited to collaborate with ABYSSA and RTsys on the groundbreaking CARMA project,where we merge our technological strengths.”
“As we expand the frontiers of autonomous underwater exploration, we are enhancing the capabilities of our deep-water AUV A18-D to navigate closely to the seabed. Utilizing pack piloting techniques and advanced navigation algorithms, we are paving the way for precise seabed surveys down to 3,000 meters, showcasing our commitment to innovation and the advancement of deep-sea exploration.”
marine Postec, project manager at RTsys, remarked, “This project provides us with the possibility to develop an AUV swarm capable of operating at depths of 3,000 meters.”
“This endeavor enriches our expertise, fosters innovation in the deep-sea sector, and demonstrates our swarm capabilities. The research conducted through the AUV swarm will yield scientific insights and contribute to the cataloging of underwater heritage.”
Michel Colinet, Deputy CEO at ABYSSA, added, “We advocate for the AUV swarm concept, which won the 2015 Global Innovation Competition, as it allows oceanographers to perform extensive and precise non-intrusive mapping in deep, largely unexplored regions.”
