Issue 39 Unmanned Systems Technology August/September 2021 Maritime Robotics Mariner l Simulation tools focus l MRS MR-10 and MR-20 l UAVs insight l HFE International GenPod l Exotec Skypod l Autopilots focus l Aquaai Mazu

28 the two followers, which did not have their own sonars, kept to the edge of the leader’s swathe. The one on the inside of the turn slowed down and its counterpart on the outside sped up to maintain their respective positions. Although the system has been proven in full-scale demonstrations many times, Hovstein says it has yet to be implemented by industry. “We are still in an era in which customers are buying their first USV, but I think it is very important for us to start selling that idea now because it really can multiply efficiency significantly,” he says. Comms, launch and recovery The comms architecture is designed to enable the onboard sensors to use multiple comms systems simultaneously for redundancy. Normally, the bearer used during coastal operations is the local 4/5G cellular network, with VSAT used in offshore operations and any transits that take the vessel beyond the range of cellular radio. Both are backed up by licensed long-range VHF and C-band line-of-sight radios. The operator can access all the vehicle’s functions through any of these systems. If clients request it, the comms system that carries the payload data can be completely different from those used for vehicle command and control, but normal practice is to use network segregation within the integrated comms system to achieve the required separation. Mariner’s LARS consists of a cradle and straps, into and out of which the Mariner can drive, and which features a locking mechanism that secures it in the cradle. The LARS also serves as a storage and transport system. “We wanted a system designed specifically for the vessel that was easy and secure to use and, just as important, easy to document and certify,” Hovstein emphasises. When it comes to data interfaces, the company provides custom acquisition drivers for multi-beam sonars from most big manufacturers, enabling simultaneous collection of data, control of the sonar and viewing of the data within the Mariner’s operating interface, effectively creating a single interface for all functions. For most other payloads, Ethernet access is provided through a dedicated computer, and access to serial devices can be set up over Ethernet and logged from the VCS. The Mariner can support multiple payloads simultaneously, the exact number depending on what the sensors are. “We have had vehicles logging over 40 parameters in one multi-probe configuration,” says Hovstein. Again depending on the individual sensor, some are deployed through the moon pool that provides sheltered access to the water through the middle of the Mariner, and lowered and raised again using a remotely controlled elevator. Others are attached using a fixed cassette insert that can be changed in the field, although that has to be done by someone physically present. Multi-beam sonar options Payloads integrated so far include Norbit’s wideband multi-beam sonar and its new Winghead i77h ultra-high- resolution multi-beam echo sounder (MBES), Kongsberg’s EM2040-07, EM2040P, EM2040C MBES systems, Teledyne’s SeaBat T-50, T-20 and Odom Echotrac E20, and the Sonic 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026 systems from R2Sonic. These sensors are designed for use on August/September 2021 | Unmanned Systems Technology Dossier | Maritime Robotics Mariner The Mariner’s mast head sports a variety of sensors including Hikvision cameras, Furuno radar and a weather sensor package from Airmar Technology We see a lot of potential in the use of robots to support other robot operations, leading to huge cost and time savings for deploying autonomous vehicles