Sensor system with AI boosts autonomy
M Subs Ltd has installed a sensor system with connected artificial intelligence (AI) machine-learning technology around the UKs Plymouth Sound to aid the computing system central to the maritime AI system which will be used to navigate the Mayflower Autonomous Ship.
The Plymouth-based company will operate a secure network of cameras, radars, and other sensors which will provide situational awareness and communications with the unmanned vehicles operating out of the city’s harbour. The system will also provide the command & control of unmanned vehicles using the nearby ranges at sea.
Data from the network is being collected and analysed by machine learning programmes by M Subs’ growing AI team, with the assistance of Thales and a global and corporate partner leading in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
AI potential
Brett Phaneuf, MD of MSubs, said: “Although our initial interest was in the application of AI to assist the war fighter, our burgeoning relationship with Thales and our US-based AI partner, has opened our minds to the innumerable potential uses of AI. Combine this with the expanding data collection facilities we have in the Plymouth Sound are we are well placed to lead on the development of this game changing technology.”
The results of this work will finalize development of the computing system at the heart of the maritime AI system to navigate the Mayflower Autonomous Ship across the Atlantic Ocean in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the original Mayflower sailing in 1620.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
