Gain AC-CESS at Ocean Business

Longtime AC-ROV distributor ITER has recently delivered a block order of three systems to the Ocean Sensing and Mapping Laboratory (OSM) of the research institute ENSTA-BRETAGNE at Brest in France.

OSM focuses on extracting and using data in uncertain environments through the operation of smart self-controlled systems. Deployed in a research and training role, the AC-ROVs have been modified to enable target inspection as a PC controlled coordinated group, rather than separate pilot controlled individuals.

The systems employ Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to enable auto depth, reflected light activated object avoidance and other vehicle and tether recognition. The project has so far achieved autonomous behavior for a single AC-ROV. The vehicle has successfully inspected the inside of a 2m long, 300 mm diameter pipe. The use of ‘smart vehicle swarms’ has potential applications in various industries including subsea inspection, environmental monitoring and military and security operations.

Meanwhile, AC-CESS’s new Polish distributor Escort got of to flying start with the AC-ROV, delivering three systems in quick succession. The Polish Naval Academy (Gdynia, Poland) has utilised the compact nature of the AC-ROV system by integrating it to an unmanned remotely operated high speed surface craft. The craft is deployed in a rapid response security intervention role as well as carrying out hull and suspect target inspection.

Escort has also delivered an 80m tethered system to the West Pomeranien State Fire Brigade. The AC-ROV fulfills the Brigade’s underwater technical requirement for special and emergency operations. The State Meteorology and Water Management Institute (Poznan, Poland) has also bought an 80 metered system, which is deployed in inland waters to inspect and monitor flora, river bed ecosystems and the effect of sediment build up.