Kraken’s aquapix® Real-Time Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar integrated onboard a REMUS 600 AUV
Kraken Robotic Systems Inc., a fully owned branch of Kraken Robotics Inc., has successfully developed a real-time Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) system, which has been integrated and tested on a US Navy REMUS 600 autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) managed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Rhode Island.
“We are thrilled to introduce an AUV solution that enables real-time, ultra-high-resolution imaging and three-dimensional mapping of the ocean floor,” stated Karl Kenny, President and CEO of Kraken.
“We believe this innovation will transform the processing of extensive data derived from Synthetic Aperture Sonar imagery and bathymetric data. We extend our gratitude to our partners at the naval Undersea Warfare Center for their invaluable support during the deployment and testing phases of our solution on their REMUS 600 AUV.”
The AquaPix® MINSAS Synthetic Aperture Sonar is equipped with real-time processing capabilities, allowing for the generation of intricate acoustic images that can be analyzed immediately by the AUV’s onboard systems. this feature enhances the vehicle’s ability to make informed decisions during its mission. The acquisition and processing of high-resolution raw data can significantly boost the speed and precision of maritime operations,especially in autonomous AUV minehunting,where extensive areas need to be surveyed rapidly.
Mr. Kenny further elaborated, “A primary objective in mine countermeasures is to ensure the safety of sailors by keeping them at a distance from potential mine threats while maintaining a high level of confidence in detecting and classifying these threats. The implementation of real-time SAS signal processing on an AUV marks a substantial advancement over traditional methods. Kraken’s real-time SAS enhances safety,optimizes operational efficiency,minimizes the risk of overlooking mines,and drastically reduces or eliminates the need for post-mission analysis.”
APPLICATION OF KRAKEN SAS TECHNOLOGY IN MINEHUNTING
For effective minehunting,a target pixel resolution of at least 5cm is essential.Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) can achieve this resolution at distances exceeding 250 meters. In contrast, conventional side scan sonars can only reach this level of resolution at very short ranges, typically under 25 meters. This limitation directly impacts search durations and results in inefficient area coverage.
Synthetic Aperture Sonar can offer up to ten times the range and area coverage compared to traditional side scan sonar. SAS is especially beneficial for AUV applications, and industry analysts predict that SAS will increasingly replace conventional side scan sonars in various military contexts. Additionally, SAS technology holds notable promise for other underwater imaging applications, including offshore energy exploration, seabed mapping, marine archaeology, debris assessment, and search and recovery missions.
