Innovative Payload Growth for Underwater Inspection

Voyis has introduced a cutting-edge payload specifically engineered for the L3Harris IVER4 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). This initiative is part of a project backed by canada’s Ocean Supercluster, aimed at automating the inspection of underwater pipelines.

Key Technologies in the New Payload

The payload incorporates several advanced technologies:

• Voyis Recon LS AUV Module: This compact module integrates a dynamic laser scanner that captures high-resolution 3D point cloud data. It is paired with a 4K imaging system that ensures clear, well-lit still images, featuring real-time light adjustment and color correction.
• L3Harris IVER4 900 AUV: A robust system capable of operating at depths of up to 300 meters, this AUV boasts long operational durations, powered by rechargeable NiMH or Li-Ion batteries that provide run times exceeding 15 hours (NiMH) or 30 hours (Li-Ion), making it ideal for extended missions.
• Wavefront Solstice: This multi-aperture side-scan sonar offers extensive swath coverage with high-resolution imaging capabilities.
• EIVA navisuite Software: This suite includes tools for automating workflows, acquiring data, fusing information, and utilizing deep learning for pipeline tracking, all managed through an onboard computer.

Collaborative Efforts in Pipeline Inspection

The Automated Pipeline Inspection Payload for Small AUVs Project,spearheaded by Voyis,unites a consortium of partners including EIVA,L3Harris,and Ocean Infinity.Together, they aim to create a commercial survey payload for portable AUVs, poised to transform the offshore inspection sector.

Challenges in Underwater Infrastructure inspection

the ocean floor is increasingly populated with aging critical infrastructure, including pipelines and energy systems, situated in corrosive and challenging environments that are often poorly mapped. Regular inspections of this infrastructure have traditionally relied on slow remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) deployed from large manned vessels.Although larger AUVs have been utilized, they often face similar limitations and struggle to meet the growing market demands for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Advancements in Sensor Technology

Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of small, energy-efficient sensor payloads, such as Voyis’ Recon LS laser and imaging system, alongside EIVA’s NaviSuite Deep Learning Onboard Computer. These innovations have been seamlessly integrated into a compact payload designed for new long-endurance portable AUVs like the L3Harris IVER4.

Enhancing Decision-Making in Subsea Surveys

This innovative product considerably enhances the speed and quality of remote decision-making processes for surveying subsea assets. By providing high-resolution data on pipeline and anode conditions and processing this information in real-time using machine learning algorithms, the need for personnel to operate in hazardous marine environments can be minimized or entirely eliminated.The integration of diverse sensor datasets through advanced data processing and workflow automation will facilitate the complete automation of pipeline defect detection.