Royal Navy orders USV and automation technology

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The UK’s University of Plymouth will deliver a C-Enduro Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) to the Royal Navy, with maritime autonomy and smart shipping applications firm Robosys retrofitting it with its VOYAGER AI Autonomous Navigation System.

The USV, named Bauza, will then be equipped to carry out long-range hydrographic and oceanographic survey missions and training. The contract forms part of a Royal Navy programme to strengthen autonomous capabilities for defence and resilience operations.

Robosys

The University of Plymouth’s USV Bauza, contracted to the Royal Navy with an autonomous system installed by Robosys

The university retains ownership of the USV, contracting it out to the Royal Navy.

VOYAGER AI provides an integrated navigation and control system that includes mission planning, radar and AIS-based situational awareness, ENC chart overlays and autopilot functions such as routing, loitering, collision avoidance, obstacle avoidance and anti-grounding. The system is designed to meet IMO Degree 4 Maritime Autonomy standards for safe operations.

Robosys will also supply its USV Remote Control Waistpack, which allows wireless control from nearby vessels or shoreside stations in any weather. Control can switch seamlessly between the Waistpack and the University’s Remote Operations Centre.

“Marine autonomy is essential for UK defence and resilience,” said Professor Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean of Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth. “As the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, Plymouth is driving innovation in this field. The VOYAGER system is proven globally and will strengthen our autonomous fleet.”

Robosys, based in the UK’s Silicon Solent region, has more than two decades of experience in maritime autonomy and vessel control software for vessels ranging from 3m USVs to 320m ships.

.“This contract demonstrates VOYAGER AI’s ability to deliver a unified navigation and control solution for USVs such as the C-Enduro,” said Robosys CEO Adita Nawab.

Integration of VOYAGER AI into Bauza is scheduled for Q3 2025.