Under the agreement, Shintoa will market, sell and support Sea Machines’ full portfolio of unmanned surface vessel autonomy and commercial ship optimization products to the Japanese market. The partnership establishes a formal in-country channel to deliver Sea Machines’ autonomy technology across both commercial and defense applications.

Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Tokyo, Shintoa has built a longstanding role introducing advanced international technologies into Japan’s industrial and maritime sectors. With a nationwide presence across major regions including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the company provides the infrastructure required to support deployment and lifecycle servicing of complex marine systems

“It is an honor to be working with the Shintoa team, who has facilitated groundbreaking activity in serving the Japanese Ministry of Defense and JMSDF” said Phil Bourque, Vice President of Global Sales of Sea Machines Robotics. “This partnership is key to assisting US allies invest in asymmetric capability, an effort that requires presence, integration, and long-term commitment.”

Through this partnership, Sea Machines’ autonomy systems, including the SM300 family, will be made accessible to Japanese operators seeking to expand mission capability, reduce crew exposure, and deploy intelligent vessel operations at scale.

“We are excited to introduce Sea Machines’ advanced autonomous products to the Japanese defense and commercial markets. We look forward to building a long and robust relationship with Sea Machines,” said Andy Ogiwara, Executive Officer C.O.O. of Shintoa Corporation.

This agreement marks a significant step in Sea Machines’ expansion across the Asia Pacific region, building on the company’s prior operational deployment of its SELKIE USV in Subic Bay and reinforcing its commitment to delivering proven, defense ready autonomy solutions to allied maritime markets. In January, Sea Machines appointed a Business Development Manager, Penny Wen, based in Taiwan. Penny is charged with leading business expansion throughout Asia.

About Sea Machines Robotics
Based in the tech hub of Boston with a global presence, Sea Machines Robotics, Inc. builds autonomous vessel software and systems that increase the performance, capability, and efficiency of naval and commercial vessels.
Learn more at www.sea-machines.com

About Shintoa Corporation
Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Tokyo, Shintoa Corporation is a specialized trading house focused on aerospace, marine, and defense technologies. The company provides nationwide distribution, integration, and technical support for advanced industrial systems across Japan.

Contact: Phil Bourque, VP of Global Sales, pbourque@sea-machines.com

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The mission evaluated autonomous vessel / unmanned vessel operations in the same Indo-Pacific coastal environment where distributed maritime systems could be deployed. The operating area was later used in the distributed maritime autonomy vignette presented during Creative Disruptors in the Desert 2026, where U.S. Congressional and DOW stakeholders observed a mission scenario involving a forward-deployed unmanned surface vessel operating off the Philippine coast. 

Strategic Context in the West Philippine Sea 

The West Philippine Sea forms part of the South China Sea, one of the most contested maritime regions in the Indo-Pacific. Coast guard patrols, maritime militia activity, and territorial disputes have increased demand for persistent maritime domain awareness across large coastal areas. For the United States and the Philippines, monitoring activity across these waters requires scalable systems capable of maintaining presence without expanding resources for crewed patrol fleets. Autonomous vessels provide a method for increasing range and extending persistent maritime coverage. 

Unmanned Surface Vessel SELKIE operating in real-world maritime traffic off Botolan, Philippines.

Tropical Winter 100 USV Mission 

Tropical Winter 100 evaluated SELKIE’s endurance, navigation performance, and autonomous vessel system operation during unmanned operations in Philippine coastal waters. 

The mission followed a 100-nautical-mile unmanned route between Subic Bay and the west coast of Botolan. SELKIE departed Subic Bay as an unmanned surface vessel while operators monitored the vessel remotely through the autonomy interface located miles away in Olongapo.  

Operating in Sea State 4, the autonomous vessel maintained a cruising speed of approximately 11 knots with sprint speeds of up to 30 knots, and completed the mission over roughly 13 hours. During the voyage the USV executed long range autonomous route following while autonomously tracking and trailing potential vessels of interest, in addition to obstacle detection, and collision avoidance while navigating through typical coastal vessel traffic near the approach to Subic Bay. 

USV Operations in the Indo-Pacific 

Tropical Winter 100 demonstrated how unmanned surface vessels  can operate in real maritime traffic and environmental conditions in the Indo-Pacific. Conducted in the same waters later used during the Creative Disruptors in the Desert vignette, the mission showed how USVs can support persistent maritime domain awareness and distributed maritime operations in regions such as the West Philippine Sea. 

What’s Next 

SELKIE will continue field demonstrations over the coming months, including integration of mission payloads, effectors, and command-and-control (C2) interfaces across customer use cases. These efforts are focused on expanding operational capability and validating system performance across a broader set of mission profiles. 

For organizations evaluating unmanned surface vessel (USV) capability for maritime operations, Sea Machines is engaging with partners to demonstrate how autonomous vessel systems can be applied in operational contexts. 

To discuss demonstration opportunities or integration use cases, contact sales@sea-machines.com. 

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Hosted by the Creative Defense Foundation in collaboration with AUVSI, the event convened senior Department of Defense leadership, acquisition executives, Congressional defense appropriators, and industry leaders to evaluate mature, deployable technologies shaping the future of American defense capability. 

Sea Machines’ role formed part of a multi-domain vignette integrating eight advanced autonomy and sensing companies into a unified mission narrative spanning land, air, and sea. 

A Live Indo-Pacific Autonomy Demonstration 

Within that broader scenario, Sea Machines executed a live distributed maritime operation connecting a forward-deployed unmanned surface vessel in the Philippines with operators in La Quinta trailing and prosecuting a suspicious contact outside Subic Bay, while stakeholders observed live in California. 

From within the United States, operators coordinated command of the vessel in real time as mission control was transitioned between ground stations in La Quinta, CA and Subic Bay. The SM300 software is also capable of “intercept” behavior, whereby operators can command the vessel to autonomously calculate and execute a converging course against a moving contact, dynamically adapting to target maneuvering and surrounding maritime traffic while maintaining collision avoidance and navigational compliance. 

Drop in Autonomy Kits  

The Sea Machines solution showcased is operationally ready and actively available for deployment. Designed and engineered by Sea Machines, the drop in autonomy kit provides end users a rapid capability to convert existing boats with Sea Machines tech within 10-20 hours. The pre-rigged kits reduce field engineering requirements.

The demonstration highlighted: 

• Secure remote supervisory control across long-distance links 

• Objective-based mission execution rather than direct teleoperation 

• Real-time perception, navigation, and collision avoidance 

• Immediate re-tasking with dynamic route recalculation 

• Scalable control of distributed unmanned maritime assets 

Why It Matters 

Operational vignettes such as those executed at Disruptors in the Desert provide government stakeholders with direct exposure to live systems operating within realistic mission contexts. These are not conceptual briefings. They are demonstrations of integrated capability under operational narrative. 

By controlling a forward-deployed vessel in the Indo-Pacific from within the United States, Sea Machines demonstrated a scalable model for distributed maritime operations. This approach expands operational reach, reduces risk to crewed platforms, and enables persistent presence without proportional manpower growth. 

As global maritime competition intensifies, American advantage depends on fielded, interoperable systems that are ready to deploy and scale. The autonomy demonstrated in La Quinta reflects a mature, operational capability engineered to support U.S. and allied maritime missions wherever distributed unmanned presence is required. 

The post Sea Machines Selected to Execute Live Autonomy Vignette at Creative Disruptors in the Desert 2026  appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

Carved from the shipbuilding space in 2015, Sea Machines Robotics has spent the past decade developing and deploying the world’s leading marine autonomy across fleets operating on most oceans. Over that period, the company has invested more than $55 million in venture-backed capital to develop, field, and harden a fully integrated autonomy stack. This investment addressed one of the most technically complex challenge of unmanned surface vessels such as Modular Attack Surface Combatant (MASC): reliable software–hardware integration at scale. Having completed the difficult work up front, Sea Machines is now positioned to rapidly integrate mature, field-proven autonomy into purpose-built autonomous platforms. Today, the company applies its deep shipbuilding roots to deliver a purpose-built autonomous surface ship engineered for modern naval operations. 

Introducing the STEAMRACER-class autonomous surface ship, purpose-built to meet the Navy’s immediate and future fleet requirements for fully unmanned maritime operations. Designed around our hardened, AI-enabled remote command architecture, the platform delivers high speed, extended endurance, modular open-deck payload capacity, and a secure onboard data environment to support distributed operations at scale. 

While engineered from inception for persistent unmanned execution, STEAMRACER retains the flexibility to operate in a limited, short-duration manned configuration when mission requirements dictate – providing operational flexibility without compromising its unmanned-first design. 

Florida-forged, STEAMRACER integrates mature autonomy with proven U.S. shipbuilding capacity through partnerships with St. Johns Ship Building, TOTE Services, Ring Power, Incat Crowther, and EMI-W&O reinforcing the President’s Executive Order to restore American maritime dominance and strengthen the domestic industrial base. To meet the Navy’s resilient and robust communications standards, Sierra Nevada Corporation will provide its Maritime Advanced Secure Transmission (MAST) solution, an open, scalable architecture backed by proven secure communications and cybersecurity expertise.

Aligned with Navy leadership’s call to expand MUSV production, accelerate the scaling of unmanned capability, and rapidly field maritime robotic and autonomous systems, STEAMRACER delivers a ready-now, America-First solution. The defining attribute: PROVEN capability. STEAMRACER provides validated unmanned-first capability that is operationally tested, industrially grounded, strategically aligned, and prepared to scale at the pace required for the Indo-Pacific fight. 

In an era defined by America’s pacing-threat competition with China, our Nation and our Navy cannot afford protracted development programs that delay transition, escalate cost, and fail to field capability. The strategic environment demands operational mass, speed, and scale, not prolonged development without delivery. Others prototype. We deliver proven autonomy at the pace required for deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, or wherever in the world it will be needed. 

Sea Machines stands ready. 

The post STEAMRACER-Class Autonomous Ship Advances in Major U.S. Navy MASC Program appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

Sea Machines now offers two SMLink APIs that support a full spectrum of missions:

• SMLink Streaming-API delivers real-time vessel telemetry and data feeds to external systems.
• SMLink Control-API grants select partners the ability to command SM300 autonomy functions directly from third-party mission software.

“We’ve been listening to end-user customers and military procurement program offices globally, and we are pleased to continue to contribute to building a customer-first product and company. While our product has always had an open architecture, we’re now providing the keys for others to integrate. We hereby invite and challenge others to collaborate and build with us.” — Phil Bourque, VP of Global Sales, Sea Machines

The SMLink APIs are available with both updated SM300 models: the SM300-SP, tailored for fast, attritable USVs and programs prioritizing volume and efficiency, and the SM300-NG, built for complex, high-specification projects aboard classed vessels.

With more than 200 SM300 deliveries across 20 countries, Sea Machines has established itself as a proven leader in defense-ready marine autonomy. The SM300 is a software enabled edge computing system that fuses with mission management tools while delivering both low-level vessel control and higher-order autonomous behaviors, even in GPS or communications-denied environments.

Headquartered in the United States with offices in Europe, Sea Machines supports naval and defense customers worldwide.

About Sea Machines Robotics

Based in the tech hub of Boston with a global presence, Sea Machines Robotics, Inc. builds autonomous vessel software and systems that increase the performance, capability, and efficiency of naval and commercial vessels. Learn more at www.sea-machines.com

Contact: Phil Bourque, VP of Global Sales, pbourque@sea-machines.com

Download press release here.

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SM300-SP is a special purpose hardware version of Sea Machines’ autonomy systems, built for the emerging fleets of attritable sUSVs and for those not requiring Classed-approved hardware.

SM300-NG is a new generation autonomy system that provides 200% more computing power in a smaller size form-factor.  The SM300NG continues Sea Machines’ commitment to Class-approved marine products and is available in both digital-only and digital plus analog I/O variants.

SMLink Stream/Control-APIs are two new APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) now available to allow authorized third parties to stream data from SM300 platforms, as well as control the autonomy system.  These APIs further Sea Machines commitment to open architecture and system interoperability.

FLEETVIEWER is an online fleet visualization platform that enables an easy way to view, capture, and use real-time vessel-born data, including streaming imagery.

STORMRUNNER USV is an all-new 8-meter length HDPE unmanned surface vessel, designed to deliver high-performance and high reliability on water for defense customers. STORMRUNNER has a 40-knot top speed and gives over 500 nautical miles of range carrying 1,100 lbs of payload.  Equipped with the SM300-SP and fully integrated with sensors and communications, STORMRUNNER is Sea Machines’ second USV design, following on the 7-meter “SELKIE.”

Since 2017, Sea Machines has focused on building the most advanced maritime autonomy for both naval and commercial vessels. “Sea Machines was built around commercial market needs, which simply put, means that the products must deliver immense value and reliability.  This fits perfectly with Government customers who are increasingly demanding deployable, proven systems.  The SM300 is now operating within broad fleets of unmanned naval boats, and these operators benefit by having a hardened autonomy foundation that also enables rapid development on requirements that emerge from the quickly evolving threat environments.”  Said Founder and CTO Michael Johnson.

CEO Chip Wasson said, “We are delighted to introduce these new products that provide true asymmetric advantage for US and allied fleets. Our mission has been to deliver superior naval and maritime technologies to those who protect, defend and work on water. Our team has worked relentlessly to deliver on this commitment with these new products.”

About Sea Machines Robotics
Based in the tech hub of Boston with a global presence, Sea Machines Robotics, Inc. builds autonomous vessel software and systems that increase the performance, capability, and efficiency of naval and commercial vessels.  Their flagship product, the SM300, is a time-perfected edge computing autonomy system that has earned the respect of this fast-growing global market of unmanned boats and autonomy-enabled ships. Learn more at www.sea-machines.com

Contact: Phil Bourque, VP of Global Sales, pbourque@sea-machines.com

Download press release here.

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Sea Machines delivers the core autonomy layer that enables precise navigation, real-time obstacle avoidance, and seamless integration with cooperative mission frameworks like Scientific Systems’ Collaborative Mission Autonomy. By leveraging the Sea Machines open architecture and software APIs, VENOM gains the ability to operate in teams, adapt to changing conditions, and maximize the ability to operate in contested environments with limited risk.

As the premier autonomy provider for uncrewed surface vehicle manufacturers, Sea Machines offers a commercial solution that is ready for serial production of over 100x units per month and is integration-friendly. Our modular approach to vessel interfacing provides a proven foundation for builders and integrators alike—accelerating development, enabling mission readiness, and reducing time to deployment.

We’re proud to support the VENOM USV and welcome domestic and international collaborations with teams building bold new capabilities at sea.

Contacts us at sales@sea-machines for more.

The post Sea Machines Powers VENOM USV with SM300 Autonomy System appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

The ALPV, also known as the Sea Specter, is a 65-foot (19.75-meter) semi-submersible unmanned surface vessel (USV) engineered for stealth logistics operations. Drawing design inspiration from low-profile, narcotics-smuggling craft, the ALPV offers extremely low visual, radar, and infrared signatures, making it an ideal platform for contested maritime zones. The vessel’s form factor and semi-submersibility enable discreet transport of high-value payloads with minimal detectability.

The vessel can carry between 2,000 and 4,627 kilograms of cargo over distances up to 2,200 nautical miles (4,074 km) at a cruising speed of 14.8 km/h, powered by a 230-horsepower Cummins diesel engine. The internal payload compartment spans 8.84 m in length, offering substantial volume for military resupply or mission equipment.

Sea Machines was selected following evaluation as the supplier of autonomous command and control capabilities for the ALPV, via our SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system. This system enables long-range, line-of-sight and over-the-horizon remote operations, autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and situational awareness in contested environments. These capabilities are essential for a vessel intended to operate far from support in communications denied environments or high-risk maritime zones.

The ALPV has undergone extensive field testing since 2023, evaluated in Project Convergence Capstone 4, a major joint and multinational exercise hosted by the U.S. Army. 

Sea Machines is proud to contribute proven autonomy solutions to this advanced platform and remains committed to supporting the U.S. Marine Corps’ evolving needs for operational resilience, logistics reach, and unmanned capability in peer-contested domains. For more information about the SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system, visit: https://sea-machines.com/products/sm300-autonomous-command-control/

Contact:
Phil Bourque, VP of Global Sales
pbourque@sea-machines.com

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Looking to expand the capability of their survey fleet and overcome accessibility challenges, Measurement Sciences Inc. (MSI) decided to equip their 3-meter RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with Sea Machines’ SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system.

This enhancement enables MSI to reduce personnel count on hydrographic survey operations by 60% and allows the vessel to access areas considered unsafe for manned vessels.

ABOUT MEASUREMENT SCIENCES INC.

Measurement Sciences Inc. (MSI), founded in 2005 and based in Calgary, specializes in professional engineering and surveying. The company employs advanced technology to serve a diverse range of clients, including oil and gas pipeline companies, land developers, power generation firms, engineering and construction companies, as well as local municipalities and provincial governments.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Safety is a primary concern for MSI, especially when dealing with hazardous water environments such as hydroelectric dams, flood conditions, debris, swift water, toxic bodies of water, and more. Traversing these waters often requires multiple permits, consuming both time and money, and still puts personnel at risk.

In this case study, MSI conducted pipe coverage surveys at four different locations. Due to the high flow events during the surveys, using manned vessels would have been unsafe. Therefore, at the request of their customers, manned craft were not used.

SOLUTION

By converting the RIB into an autonomous vessel using the SM300 system, MSI can remotely command the autonomous boat from shore or do manual remote control. This setup eliminates the need for humans on board while still enabling the collection of survey data in the necessary areas.

WHY CHOOSE THE SM300?

Robust and reliable autonomy aside, the SM300 can be retrofitted to vessels of any size. This provided MSI the flexibility to choose a vessel that was both nimble and capable of withstanding high flow conditions, as well as accommodating the additional weight of the onboard sensors.

This is a significant advantage over many USVs available on the market, which often do not perfectly match specific needs—being either too small to handle strong currents and payloads, or too large to navigate smaller waterways.

IMPLEMENTATION

Installation

The SM300 system was installed on the RHIB, including all necessary sensors and control modules

Calibration and Testing

Extensive calibration and testing were conducted to ensure the system’s accuracy and reliability.

Training

MSI’s operators received training on using the SM300 system, focusing on remote operation using the wearable Wireless Remote Helm

AUTONOMY TAKES YOU BEYOND REMOTE CONTROL

The SM300 system not only supports remote command from shore but also offers a range of advanced autonomy features specifically designed for survey operations.

Full Autonomous Operation

Plot waypoints from the SM300 user interface or import missions from hypack or Qinsy to execute survey projects from start to finish without human intervention.

Tight & Productive Surveys

High performance control from acute position sampling to fine rudder and speed modulation provides very tight cross track error and minimizing holidays, greatly surpassing the average manual operations, increasing job productivity and efficiency.

Collaborative Autonomy

Enabling multiple simultaneous survey vessels for an expanded swath of data collection to increase productivity multi-fold.

RESULTS

Cost Savings

By eliminating the need for personnel on both the survey and rescue crafts in high-flow environments, MSI achieved a 60% reduction in required staff.

Additionally, the consolidation of operations into a single vessel instead of two (a survey craft and a secondary stand-by rescue craft) led to significant time and fuel savings.

Increased Safety

Removing humans from the physical survey location eliminates potential risks associated with being on the water.

Operators can safely manage the survey operations from shore, significantly enhancing safety.

Enhanced Accessibility

With an unmanned craft, MSI can access waterways with fewer permits related to human safety regulations, saving time and effort.

The smaller RIB can be launched from a simple ramp or shoreline, unlike traditional vessels that need a proper boat ramp, often situated far from the survey area. This reduces transit time and streamlines logistics.

Time Savings

Remote operation eliminates the need for operational downtime due to breaks, meals, and other interruptions.

The unmanned vessel can remain on station continuously, maximizing survey time and efficiency. Deployment times are also reduced, with the smaller vessel being easier to transport and launch.

CONCLUSION

The integration of the SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system into MSI’s survey fleet has significantly enhanced their operations by decreasing costs and increasing safety.

Retrofitting the system onto an existing vessel tailored to specific job requirements allows MSI to enhance operational efficiency without compromising quality.

Looking ahead, MSI anticipates that the transition from manned to unmanned vessels will be a beneficial and inevitable evolution, as they plan to expand their autonomous fleet.

For more information on the SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system, view our product page here or contact our sales team at sales@sea-machines.com

Watch the video version here, or view the Case Study PDF here.

The post Enhancing Hydrographic Survey with Autonomous Vessels appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

It is no secret that the maritime industry is rewarding but often dangerous sector. 

With the advent of maritime autonomy for commercial use, including our SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system, there’s a transformative opportunity to replace on-board officers with Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) in high-risk maritime operations. This crucial shift significantly reduces the risk of injury or loss of life.

In this blog, we’ll focus on the specific hazards associated with certain maritime jobs and explore industries poised to benefit from the adoption of autonomous vessels. 

Maritime Autonomy: What is it? 

For a detailed explanation of maritime autonomy, we recommend taking our look at our Ultimate Guide to Maritime Autonomy in 2024 here. 

What are the Dangers at Sea? 

In the maritime workplace, dangers typically arise from accidents—resulting from either human error or machinery failure—harsh and inhospitable conditions, or the intrinsic risks associated with specific use cases. 

According to a report from the United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center, 75%-95% of maritime casualties have some degree of contribution from human error (source: link). 

Fatigue and neglect over long shifts can greatly increase opportunities for collisions and grounding that cause property damage, injuries, and catastrophic loss.  

Similarly, unpredictable weather patterns are prime opportunities for the use of maritime autonomy as poor conditions can obstruct operations, forcing officers to work in unsafe environments. 

Lastly, certain maritime jobs are inherently dangerous. Prioritizing the reduction of human exposure to potentially harmful elements should be a primary focus for any maritime business or agency.  

While autonomy may not be applicable to all scenarios, it offers a transformative opportunity to reimagine and enhance numerous operations, aligning with a commitment to safety and innovation in the maritime sector. 

Where Unmanned Surface Vessels Can Help 

Maritime autonomy benefits dangerous jobs by: 

1. Physical Distancing: Ensures a vital physical separation from potential dangers through remote command. 
2. Collision Avoidance: Implements an additional safeguard against collisions via collision avoidance software, much like auto braking or lane sensing in a car. 

While most vessels will benefit from the additional safeguard that collision avoidance provides, below are specific use cases where autonomous vessels can significantly improve workplace safety. 

Unexploded Ordnance Disposal

Perhaps the most visual example of the benefits of unmanned vessels is the possibility of executing Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) disposal operations without personnel on board the vessel. 

USVs, remotely commanded from shore, can be autonomously deployed to identify or help dispose of unexploded ordnances  without the presence of officers on board. 

Search and Rescue 

Maritime accidents, more often than not, occur in unsavoury weather conditions. With every second being the difference between life and death, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are imperative, necessitating execution even in extreme storms or rough seas. 

In combination with unmanned Search and Rescue technology, like our one-of-a-kind collaboration with Zelim, rescuing humans from the water will no longer need to come at the risk of another.  

Oil Spill Response 

Oil spills, aside from wreaking havoc on the surrounding ecology, also present a health hazard for those involved in the challenging task of oil collection. 

An Unmanned vessel can be outfitted with an oil collection skimmer, or a boom that can be deployed autonomously via integrated payload controls, not only removing humans from toxic work environments, but also allow for faster deployment times, a crucial element in oil spill harm reduction. 

Sea Machines is proud to be the first to demonstrate together with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) how autonomous systems can be deployed to efficiently address oil spills on a Kvichak Marco skimmer boat in 2019.

Military Applications 

Apart from enhancing safety with collision avoidance, unmanned vessels also allow for vessels to be remotely commanded from a safe location inland. 

This not only allows for a safe physical distance, but also increased flexibility in operations for persistent surveillance, or domain awareness, as well as long range logistics, and insertion activities. 

Autonomous vessels can also be sent ahead of motherships to scout for inbound threats (asset escort and protection) to minimize risk. 

The SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system is an integral part of many of the US NAVY and United State Coast Guard exercises to evaluate incorporation and integration of unmanned surface vessels into everyday operations. 

The Technology of Tomorrow, Now 

Autonomy may seem like a faraway concept for some, but we know better. 

Having launched our SM300 Autonomous command and control system in 2018 and with 70+ deployments worldwide, we know that autonomy is ready, and it is here. 

Don’t believe us? Book a remote demo from anywhere in the world and see for yourself here.

Or see more use cases on our social media here.

The post Autonomous Vessels Spares Officers from Dangerous Jobs at Sea appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

Two years after the groundbreaking 1,000 NM autonomous voyage, Peter Holm (center), the European Director of Sea Machines Robotics, shares his previously untold accounts of the tugboat that made history and the challenging seas that often accompany success.

Finding Nellie

The Machine Odyssey set sail on its remarkable journey in 2021, but Peter’s fascination with tugboats started much earlier, in 1997.

“Only 50 meters away from my old office in Esbjerg, there was always at least one prominent tug stationed. There’s just something about these vessels, around 30 odd meters long and powerful with 4,000 horsepower or more. Whenever the large ships would arrive, they would take us out on the tugs, allowing us to experience the intricate ballet choreography required to maneuver a vessel into a dock. It was truly impressive, and that’s where my fondness for tugboats began.” Peter recalls.

Fast forward to 2021. The concept for the Machine Odyssey project had been conceived—a daring plan to circumnavigate the coast of Denmark. There was only one vessel suitable for this audacious journey.

“We searched extensively for a suitable boat to collaborate with the international shipyard group, Damen. Initially, we considered a crew transfer boat, one of the smaller 12 pax, and were very close to acquiring one. Then, out of nowhere, came the Nellie Bly.”

During her transfer from Novorossiysk to Rotterdam, the vessel wasn’t yet named after the renowned American journalist. Instead, she was a humble tugboat that had seen better days.

Knowing that this tug will embark on an adventure that boldly pushes boundaries just like the journalist who broke the 1890 world record for solo global travel as a woman, the RN Temryuk then became the Nellie Bly.

Upon arriving in Hardingxveld, the team’s race against the clock to prepare Nellie for her journey began.

“By the time we bought her, there was only six weeks until the start of The Machine Odyssey. We then had her transferred from Rotterdam to the Damen Hardinxveld yard where our partners at Damen helped us equip her, pulling all the cables to the particular specification we had given. We, of course, installed and commissioned the SM300 Autonomous command and Control system which included a very large data collector media server and an early version of AI-ris, the SM400. From there, we had to bring her up to Cuxhaven where we started the tuning portion.“

Following rigorous testing and enhancements, the refurbished Nellie Bly, now proudly displaying the Sea Machines logo along her sides, was prepared to make history.

And We’re Off!

On the 30th of September, the Nellie Bly autonomously departed from Cuxhaven heading for her first port in Brunsbüttel with a captain aboard on standby to comply with maritime regulations. 

“We had a really good rapport with the Danish Maritime Authorities. We were some of the early ones that sat down with them in 2016 and we were the first ones to hand in the code of conduct for autonomous operations in Danish waters. The approval process then actually turned out to be fairly easy. The whole approval process of getting the DMA on board with this took 4 emails,” remarked Peter.

Navigating the tumultuous waters of Denmark, the vessel sailed with the SM300 controlled remotely from our headquarters in Boston.

“She’s not an easy lady to handle. You have to know what to do, but the system handles her perfectly.”

Even after Peter’s first interaction with Nellie, it became evident that the retrofitted SM300 was finely tuned and adept at controlling this specific vessel.

“So one of the things that you have to consider with this tug is that she has a draft of about 1.7 meters. Out of that 1.7 meters, 1.1 meters is the propeller. Considering how little of the vessel is on the water, most of its propeller. And so when this big propeller goes with rotation, that’s enough centrifugal force to force a boat into a turn. Even if you keep the rudder straight, the centrifugal force of the propeller itself puts her into a turn, which means that you’re gonna have to counter steer to to bring her over again just to go in a straight line. But with the SM300, you don’t have to worry about it because she just goes in a straight line while maintaining autonomy, collision avoidance, etc.”

From Denmark to the World

Apart from the SM300, the Nellie Bly was equipped with cameras for live streaming, enabling viewers worldwide to tune in via Vodafone 4G.

“The number of cameras on the vessel was not insignificant. There were quite a few cameras: forward-looking, aft-looking, 180 degrees FOV 90 degrees FOV and also included infrared. So there were, I think, six cameras on board.”

However, the response from viewers surpassed all expectations.

“We didn’t know what kind of levels to expect in terms of people viewing this. So we set it up so that we are capable of streaming to 5,000 people at the same time and we quickly saw much higher numbers than that.”

With a global audience now in tow, it was crucial for operations to run seamlessly, ensuring an open line of communication between the Nellie Bly and Sea Machines headquarters in Boston, where the vessel was being remotely commanded.

“We set up a hotline from the boat directly to the Boston office. A Voice over IP phone that ran over the Vodafone connection, like the red phone from the Cold War, basically. You pick up the dial, you’d be in contact with the Boston people immediately.”

The Nellie Bly in City Sporthafen, Hamburg

Homebound

Returning to Hamburg marked the triumphant end of Nellie’s voyage.

“Arriving in Hamburg again, receiving her with the whole family and everyone that was there. That was a big moment. The relief of seeing her come into Hamburg knowing that now we actually did it, we’ve done what we set out to do, what we said we would do. Now we can sort of relax.”

Peter attributes the mission’s success to having a system rigorously tested and specifically designed for the real-life marine environment.

“When you build it properly, that is, building stable systems for a marine environment, you’re capable of doing these monumental things. We have gone through great lengths using components that are already used in the marine industry. And we’ve gone through the whole process of having the system certified and tested for marine environments, including rattling, shaking, and salt water spray. These are the factors that are necessary for practical use.”

When questioned about the future of autonomy, Peter emphasizes the need not to reinvent the wheel but to assess the current state and make improvements.

“I don’t necessarily think that you have to invent new rules, but accept the systems as an equivalent to a human lookout. The big takeaway from all this is that this mission, The Machine Odyssey, obviously shows that it’s possible, that it’s now, that it’s here with autonomy. It’s something you can touch and feel right now. It’s not something that is in the future, not hypothetical, it’s not a science project. And we have to adapt and accept this technology so that we can truly make significant forward strides in the maritime industry.”

The Machine Odyssey serves as a powerful reminder of our team’s expertise and determination. Since the voyage, the SM300 has evolved through multiple software and hardware iterations, each step a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement. Introducing new technology into mainstream maritime practices is no easy feat, but our confidence has only grown stronger.

Join us on our journey as we continue to expand the horizons of maritime technology on our social channels (@seamachines).

Until our next voyage!

The post The Machine Odyssey: Unveiling the Journey appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

Well known for producing innovative and cost-effective vessels, Damen engages in modular shipbuilding based on standardized designs. The company’s in-stock hull program has been successful to date because it ensures a short and efficient, delivery of proven technology. Now with Sea Machines technology on board, Damen’s customers can take advantage of new operational methodologies that deliver additional efficiencies, increases in productivity and predictability, and opportunities to increase at-sea safety throughout the life of the vessel.

In addition to installing the autonomous-command and wireless-helm systems, Damen will train users to operate Sea Machines systems via the company’s in-house simulator. Fully integrated with Sea Machines’ technology, the simulator will generate a realistic marine domain in which employees and the company’s clients can learn to use Sea Machines’ intuitive user interface and become familiar with modern autonomous-command capabilities.

These capabilities include autonomous transit behaviours as well as collaborative autonomy for unmanned daughter craft operations, and pre-configured pattern autonomy for task-based workboat missions. Sea Machines autonomy incorporates obstacle detection and collision avoidance based on COLREGs for dynamic-domain operations, as well as highly valuable remote-command, remote-machinery and payload control, which allows shore-based command of vessels and on-board equipment.  Customers can leverage reduced-crew or unmanned vessel operations which can greatly increase the productivity of persistent workboat operations or remove personnel from hazardous marine work environments. Across all industries, autonomous systems automate manual, repetitive, and tedious tasks, allowing humans to focus on higher-level operations with reduced risk.

“This alliance will play an important role towards the realisation of Damen’s strategy, which is built on the continual development of digitalisation, sustainability and operational excellence of Damen products and services,” said Damen’s Toine Cleophas, manager programs. “The collaboration forms a part of Damen’s R&D programme Smart Ship and will increase customer value by supporting a more digitalised Damen portfolio.”

“This significant development sends a clear signal to the industry that autonomous marine technology is rapidly gaining adoption and is in-demand among commercial operators,” said Sea Machines’ CEO Michael G. Johnson. “We see a future, where most, if not all, newly constructed vessels will feature autonomous technology as standard. This partnership will accelerate Sea Machines’ position as the ‘go-to’ provider of advanced marine technology and is securing Damen as an innovative industry leader for years to come.”

Since 1969 Damen Shipyards has delivered more than 6,500 vessels, averaging around 175 vessels a year. The company keeps more than 150 hulls in stock. Damen plans to initially offer Sea Machines systems on workboats, patrol vessels, tugboats, crew transfer vessels, and ferries.

Sea Machines’ SM Series of products, which includes both the SM200 and SM300, provides marine operators a new era of remote, task-driven, computer-guided vessel control, bringing advanced autonomy within reach for small- and large-scale operations. SM products are ideally suited for existing or new-build commercial vessels.

About Sea Machines
Headquartered in the global tech hub of Boston and operating globally, Sea Machines is the leader in pioneering autonomous command and control and advanced perception systems for the marine industries. Founded in 2015, the company builds autonomous vessel software and systems, which increases the safety, efficiency and performance of ships, workboats and commercial passenger vessels. Learn more about Sea Machines at www.sea-machines.com.

About Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, shipbuilding, ship repair and related services. Damen operates 36 shipyards in 18 countries and offers direct employment to more than 13,000 people.

Damen’s values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. The company aims to be the most sustainable shipbuilder in the world, via digitalisation and standardisation of its products. Damen’s main activities are the design and serial construction of innovative ships by integrating diverse components and subsystems into high-quality platforms. These activities are supported by a worldwide sales and service network.

Damen is also active in the repair and conversion of existing ships and the sale and production of components for the maritime industry.

The post Damen Partners with Sea Machines to Bring Autonomy and Wireless-Helm Technology to Ship-Build Customers appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

Amsterdam-based survey company Deep B.V. recently upgraded vessel operations with a Sea Machines Robotics autonomous command and remote-helm control system installed aboard its Loeve hydrographic survey vessel, which is now operating autonomously in multiple areas of the challenging Wadden Sea.

With no surveyors on board the vessel for this project, Deep operators are commanding and controlling the autonomous vessel and all on-board payloads (including survey sonars, hydrophones, winches, cranes and davits) from Deep’s shoreside Survey Control Room, which can facilitate several multi-beam surveys simultaneously. Deep is transferring all collected data from the vessel to the control room via 4G and satellite connection. The combination of Sea Machines’ technology and the Survey Control Room will enable Deep to transition from minimally manned missions to unmanned missions in the near future.

In this free webinar, Deep’s CEO Jurgen Beerens and Sea Machines’ Frank Relou, European business development manager, will discuss the benefits of and considerations for autonomous-command and wireless remote-helm control systems aboard survey vessels. A live Q&A session will follow.

Webinar registration is no longer available. Click here to view the archived webinar.

The post Webinar: Autonomy for Hydrographic Survey Vessels appeared first on Sea Machines Robotics.

(HOUSTON; January 25, 2021) – DEA Marine Services, a division of David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA), in Vancouver, Wash., is leveraging a Sea Machines Robotics SM300 autonomous-command and remote-helm control system to fulfill a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contract that is now surveying more than 3,500 nautical miles of the Western Galveston Bay, near the Houston Ship Channel. The SM300 has been installed aboard the DEA survey boat Sigsbee, which is serving as an autonomous daughter craft for the project. Sigsbee is effectively doubling coverage by operating without an onboard crew, while collaboratively following another DEA-staffed hydrographic survey vessel, which serves as the mothership. The goal is to cover the Bay’s large and shallow survey areas more efficiently than traditional, crewed survey vessel operations. DEA operators located aboard the mothership are commanding the autonomous Sigsbee as it conducts survey missions seven days per week, effectively doubling the conventional productivity of this type of survey.

A view from the bridge of the mothership: An on-board operator commands and controls daughter craft Sigsbee (shown) using the Sea Machines SM300 as it autonomously surveys 3,500 miles of the Western Galveston Bay. Photo credit: DEA

Sea Machines’ technology and DEA’s technical advancements enhance the value of vessel operations by:

• Increasing productivity with collaborative autonomy for force-multiplication;
• Shifting recurring and repetitive operations from manual to autonomous, which enables personnel to focus on higher-level tasks;
• Interfacing autonomous navigation systems with survey software, including Hypack, enabling direct communication and optimizing the combined capabilities of both platforms;
• Improving vessel-tracking precision over planned lines to reduce cross-track error and excessive data overlap.

“Deploying the SM300 system for this mission is allowing DEA to conduct marine surveys with improved predictability, speed of data collection and at-sea safety,” said Sea Machines’ Phil Bourque, director, sales. “The integration with systems like Hypack are streamlining operations for surveyors and demonstrating our commitment to being a best-in-class technology provider. Sea Machines is pleased to to support DEA and NOAA during this critical mission and others like it in the future.”

“DEA is committed to the advancement of technology and being on the leading edge,” said DEA Marine Services’ Jon Dasler, PE, PLS, CH; senior vice president and director. “We see autonomy as the future of hydrography and have enjoyed working with Sea Machines and additional software vendors for continued improvements in autonomous operations and the use of artificial intelligence in data processing.”

In May 2020, Sea Machines announced that Deep BV, of the Netherlands, would upgrade operations with the SM300 to conduct unmanned hydrographic surveys. Deep’s vessel, operating in multiple areas of the Wadden Sea, has been regularly commanded and controlled by personnel situated in the Amsterdam office.

About Sea Machines
Headquartered in the global tech hub of Boston and operating globally, Sea Machines is the leader in pioneering autonomous control and advanced perception systems for the marine industries. Founded in 2015, the company builds autonomous vessel software and systems, which increases the safety, efficiency and performance of ships, workboats and commercial passenger vessels. Learn more about Sea Machines at www.sea-machines.com.

About David Evans and Associates, Inc.
David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary consulting firm headquartered in Portland, Ore. DEA’s Marine Services Division was established in 1989 and is a recognized industry leader in accurate, high-precision hydrographic surveys, marine geophysical surveys, oceanographic monitoring services, and geospatial data analysis for navigational, environmental, engineering, and scientific applications. Learn more about DEA Marine Services at www.deamarine.com.

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