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Marine

QYSEA launches ‘groundbreaking AI underwater measurement system’ for submersible robots

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QYSEA Technology has launched its QY-MT QYSEA Measurement Tool, its self-developed AI underwater intelligent precision measurement system.

The “cutting-edge technology” harnesses the robust subsea capabilities of QYSEA’s FIFISH underwater robot, heralding a new era of AI intelligence for underwater robot measurements, says the company.

The QY-MT intelligent measurement system seamlessly integrates underwater data through QYSEA’s advanced AI visual algorithms. It features real-time and offline dual measurement modes, ensuring precision even with offline videos. [Read more…] about QYSEA launches ‘groundbreaking AI underwater measurement system’ for submersible robots

Nauticus Robotics raises $12 million in new investment

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Nauticus Robotics, a developer of subsea robots and software, has raised an additional $12 million as part of a second tranche of investment.

The new investment will expedite certification of Nauticus’ flagship robot, the Aquanaut, which facilitates the transformation of tethered ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations to fully autonomous operations.

It is expected to perform numerous tasks in water depths ranging from 200 to 2,000+ meters during February in preparation for an inaugural job inspecting a deep-water production facility of a major oil and gas company in the Gulf of Mexico. [Read more…] about Nauticus Robotics raises $12 million in new investment

Sea Machines closes new investment round of $12 million

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Cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures has invested into Sea Machines, a developer of autonomous control systems and advanced perception technology for maritime vessels.

This $12 million funding round, which was joined by Nabtesco Technology Ventures (NTV), Chevron Technology Ventures, Ingram Industries, RKKVC, Level 2 Ventures, and IMC Ventures, will help Sea Machines hone its technological edge and grow its market presence. This adds to a financing in 2023 led by the Geekdom Fund.

Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics is a global leader in autonomous piloting systems meant to help sea vessels navigate and operate with greater efficiency, productivity, and capability. [Read more…] about Sea Machines closes new investment round of $12 million

Italian port Livorno provides Comau exoskeletons to cargo handlers

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The logistics and cargo handling activities carried out in the port environment are largely managed manually by workers in order to ensure the required operational standards.

With the aim of making their employees’ tasks easier, more efficient and ergonomic, the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Settentrionale (Port System Authority of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, AdSP MTS) and the Compagnia Portuale di Livorno (Livorno Port Company, CPL), together with IUVO, a spin-off company of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Pisa), and Comau have conducted a pilot study – among the first carried out in Europe and in the world – for the adoption of wearable MATE-XT and MATE-XB exoskeletons designed by the 2 companies.

MATE-XT helps to reduce the muscle load of the upper limbs during static or repetitive activities, which require workers to keep their arms raised for extended periods of time, while MATE-XB relieves the muscle effort of the lumbar area when handling loads. [Read more…] about Italian port Livorno provides Comau exoskeletons to cargo handlers

QYSEA unveils ‘first’ modular AI underwater robot for professional underwater operations

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Underwater robotics company, QYSEA Technology, has releaseed its next-generation advanced underwater operations expert, FIFISH E-GO.

Delivering an innovative modular design, upgraded power and imaging system, multi-load capabilities, and AI-powered features, FIFISH E-GO stands as QYSEA’s most powerful professional-class underwater robot to date.

With versatile functionality, the E-GO excels in missions across a range of challenging subsea environments and applications. [Read more…] about QYSEA unveils ‘first’ modular AI underwater robot for professional underwater operations

Fugro strengthens position in marine robotics with acquisition of Sea-Kit International

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Fugro has reached a binding agreement for the acquisition of the remaining shares in Sea-Kit International, a long-standing partner in the development of hi-tech uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for low carbon emission maritime operations and research.  [Read more…] about Fugro strengthens position in marine robotics with acquisition of Sea-Kit International

American Bureau of Shipping issues ‘first ever’ autonomous vessel classification for Saildrone

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Saildrone, a specialist in ocean data collection using autonomous vehicles, has received what it says is “the first-ever classification for an autonomous, uncrewed surface vehicle” (USV) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The Saildrone Voyager, the mid-class vehicle in Saildrone’s rapidly expanding fleet, is the first-ever commercial USV to receive classification. ABS has been setting rigorous standards for safety and excellence as one of the world’s leading classification organizations and is at the forefront of marine and offshore innovation.

Classification is a major milestone for Saildrone, allowing the Voyager to operate in the ports and waters of countries that require vessels to be classed by organizations such as ABS, and demonstrates Saildrone’s commitment to safety, standardization, and reliability in its technology and operations. [Read more…] about American Bureau of Shipping issues ‘first ever’ autonomous vessel classification for Saildrone

Saildrone fleet surpasses 1 million nautical miles and 32,000 days at sea

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Saildrone says it has reached “another major milestone”. Its fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) has surpassed an incredible cumulative distance of 1,000,000 nautical miles during more than 32,000 days at sea, deployed on missions around the globe.

Equivalent to circumnavigating the Earth 48 times and almost 89 years at sea for a single vehicle, this achievement demonstrates the scale of Saildrone’s operations and the tireless efforts of its team to push the boundaries and capabilities of uncrewed systems.

The record was achieved exactly 10 years after the company’s first major milestone, when the very first Saildrone USV sailed from San Francisco to Hawaii in October 2013. The 2,200-nautical mile journey took just 34 days. [Read more…] about Saildrone fleet surpasses 1 million nautical miles and 32,000 days at sea

Lomar and Alicia Bots partner to develop robotic system for cleaning ship hulls

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Lomar, a ship-owning and management group, and Alicia Bots, a tech start-up developing robotics and mobility solutions for the maritime, offshore, oil and gas industries, are partnering to develop a robotic system for ship hull maintenance.

The companies say this effort both integrates cutting-edge robotic hull inspection and cleaning solutions into Lomar’s biofouling control practices as well as tests new use cases, marking a “significant leap forward” in the maritime industry’s pursuit of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Lomar is to implement Alicia Bots’ robotic technology on up to 15 of its vessels. The autonomous hull cleaning technology provides a “viable reduction” in hull fouling, reducing fuel consumption, costs, and carbon emissions, says Lomar. [Read more…] about Lomar and Alicia Bots partner to develop robotic system for cleaning ship hulls

Nauticus Robotics and Leidos execute additional $2.1 million contract extension

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Nauticus Robotics, a developer of autonomous robots using artificial intelligence for data collection and intervention services for the ocean industries, has been awarded an additional $2.1 million under its current contract with Leidos, a science and technology company.

The additional funding augments the earlier award and this program has received $16.6 million in funding from Leidos since 2022. The technology developed is expected to underpin future, economically material opportunities. [Read more…] about Nauticus Robotics and Leidos execute additional $2.1 million contract extension