Multimodal Mapping for Exploration and Inspection with the SPARUS II AUV
Micro and small-sized AUVs can integrate a wide range of sensors and navigation systems, making them ideal for applications in littoral waters due to their ease of deployment and operation. However, effectively exploring, locating, and mapping survey targets often requires combining multiple sensing techniques. Additionally, close-range, high-resolution inspection—traditionally performed by a secondary vehicle like an ROV—is highly desirable.
The difficulties of conducting and repeating sea campaigns, coupled with technological advancements, have driven the development of AUVs with multimodal perception payloads and hovering capabilities, enabling simultaneous exploration, surveying, and inspection. The SPARUS II AUV from IQUA Robotics embodies these characteristics and can be equipped with a comprehensive and complementary suite of sensors, including acoustic (sidescan sonar, multibeam echosounder, or forward-looking sonar), optical, and magnetic sensors, as well as precise navigation systems and sensors for measuring water parameters.
Thanks to its ease of deployment andrecovery, simple operation, and streamlined processing pipelines, SPARUS II can perform consecutive missions from a support vessel, enabling a rapid cycle of data collection, analysis, and planning for successive missions based on previous fi ndings. Sensors with broader coverage, such as sidescan sonar (SSS) or multibeam echosounder (MBES), are used to explore and locate areas of interest. The ability to acquire data from complementary sensors during the same mission —such as comparing the sonar intensity map from the sidescan sonar with the point cloud generated by the MBES— enables a more accurate interpretation of the scene. Higher-resolution sensors, such as forward-looking sonar (FLS) or optical cameras, provide detailed mapping of the scene. Additionally, the possibility to set-up a scanning trajectory that acquires data in all directions with precise control, allows to capture the necessary information for a later reconstruction of the inspected area.
The SPARUS II AUV is designed to accommodate the latest sensor and navigation technologies. Its robust structure and suffi cient power/autonomy enable it to operate in challenging maritime conditions for a full workday. This small-class AUV can reach a maximum depth of 200 meters and can be easily operated from a variety of vessels by a team of two people.
Available software tools simplify mission planning, monitoring, and rapid data processing, allowing users to quickly analyze the AUV’s fi ndings while it remains on the surface, ready for the next mission. Alternatively, real-time data processing can be performed onboard, directly linking environment exploration with inspection tasks when a target is automatically detected. Artifi cial intelligence plays a vital role here in scene recognition and decision-making.
Greensea IQ’s EverClean Approved as Hull Grooming Provider for GIT Coatings
Greensea IQ, a pioneer in proactive in-water hull cleaning technology, is proud to announce that its EverClean service has been officially approved as a certified hull grooming provider for vessels coated with GIT Coatings’ advanced foul release systems.
The approval, granted by Lloyd’s Register, confirms that EverClean meets the requirements to groom hulls protected by GIT Coatings’ sustainable and biocide-free coatings, such as XGIT-FUEL™. Grooming is defined as a proactive measure of periodical removal of microfouling (slime) to prevent the development of macrofouling on ships’ hulls.
This certification strengthens the shared commitment between Greensea IQ and GIT Coatings to deliver high-performance, environmentally responsible hull maintenance solutions to commercial vessel operators worldwide. The Enhanced Type Approval ensures that XGIT-Fuel maintains its performance before and after grooming with EverClean, with no roughness increase and no thickness loss.
Maggie Kennedy, who oversees the after sales operations at GIT Coatings, stated the following: “We are pleased to see EverClean approved as a compatible grooming system for our coatings. Their solution offers customers an alternative option for grooming that does not require a robot onboard operated by the crew. As a result, it offers an efficient process for crew members onboard who may not have time to manually operate a grooming robot. Our relationship with Greensea IQ will also help meet our customers' needs of those vessels frequently calling key US ports. We look forward to continuing our work with forward-thinking partners globally, leading the shipping industry towards a more sustainable future”.
“This approval is a major step forward in our mission to transform hull maintenance,” said Rob Howard, Chief Growth Officer at Greensea IQ. “We believe that effective fouling control starts with a complete professionally managed hull performance plan. Our collaboration with GIT Coatings delivers on this by providing shipowners a smart and sustainable path to reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize emissions—all while extending the lifespan of their coating investment.”
The approval was announced by both companies at CMA Shipping on April 2, 2025 held in Stamford, Connecticut.
SBG Systems unveiled the world's First MEMS-based Gyrocompassing IMU at Ocean Business 2025
SBG Systems, a global leader in high-performance Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), is proud to introduce the world’s first MEMS-based North seeking IMU, capable of operating without GNSS aiding—a breakthrough in MEMS technology.
This leap forward paves the way for future products, including AHRS and INS solutions, to further expand the possibilities of MEMS-based navigation. This innovation marks a major milestone in inertial navigation by bringing the benefits of MEMS sensors to the world of high-performance navigation and orientation.
Unprecedented Performance & Innovation
This MEMS-based IMU provides unparalleled precision, achieving a heading accuracy better than 1° secant latitude without GNSS aiding, and an INS heading accuracy better than 0.01° when fused with GNSS using SBG Systems’ state-of-the-art navigation and orientation algorithms.
Furthermore, this is a true MEMS-based gyrocompass with no moving parts, that doesn’t rely on carouseling, ensuring durability and reliability in all environments.
Key benefits of SBG Systems’ MEMS-based Gyrocompassing IMU include:
• Unmatched SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization: miniature form factor (52 x 52 x 36 mm, <150g) with low power consumption (2W), making it the most compact and efficient solution in its category.
• Volume ready: designed for high-volume production, enabling broad adoption across industries and competitive pricing.
• Robustness: no moving parts, ensuring long-term reliability even in the most demanding conditions.
• ITAR-free: for unrestricted global deployment.
Revolutionary Gyrocompass Alignment Algorithms
SBG Systems has developed cutting-edge and patent pending algorithms to provide ultra-fast gyrocompass and INS alignment in all conditions:
• Pure north-finding algorithm: capable of rapid initialization in both static and dynamic conditions down to one minute.
• Advanced GNSS/INS algorithm: takes full advantage of gyroscope performance, to provide exceptional single-antenna heading accuracy even in non-dynamic scenarios.
“With this breakthrough, we are pushing the boundaries of MEMS technology. This IMU lays the foundation for a new generation of compact, cost-effective, and high-accuracy navigation solutions for marine, autonomous systems, and georeferencing applications.” said Thibault Bonnevie, CEO of SBG Systems.
Target Markets
• Subsea applications: ideal for ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) that require precise navigation in extreme environments.
• Geospatial & marine surveying: enables high-performance single-antenna marine surveys with unparalleled accuracy, making it the perfect choice for hydrographic, dredging, and offshore operations.
First off-the-shelf solutions are planned for early 2026.
Hydromea Unveils D-FIN™: A Cutting-Edge ESC Motor Controller for Robotic Vehicles
Hydromea, a pioneer in underwater robotics and wireless communication, is proud to announce the launch of its newest product, the D-FIN™ Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) Motor Controller. This state-of-the-art device is engineered to deliver unparalleled efficiency, compactness, and precision for brushless permanent magnet DC (BLDC) motors and thrusters.
The D-FIN™ controller is engineered in Switzerland to offer unmatched compact power and precision for Hydromea’s unique DISKDRIVE™ thrusters and many other brushless permanent magnet DC (BLDC) motors in the robotics and equipment space. This advanced controller brings smooth, silent, and efficient performance to your motors. To fit into the smallest robotic vehicles, it can be stacked on a proprietary backplane to optimize space constraints and reduce cabling. Multiple digital interfaces provide flexibility to integrate D-FIN™ into your system with ease. D-FIN™ can be controlled and monitored via RS485 serial bus, CAN bus, USB-C, or PWM.
Key Features of D-FIN™:
- Compact Design: Measuring just 83 x 62 x 12 mm and weighing 80 grams, D-FIN™ is engineered for applications where space and weight are critical.
- Wide Input Voltage Range: Supports input voltages from 10 to 36 V, offering versatility across various power systems.
- High Current Handling: Capable of managing up to 25 A of current, ensuring robust performance for demanding applications.
- Flexible Communication Interfaces: Offers RS485, CAN bus (configurable), USB-C (virtual serial port), and PWM interfaces for seamless integration with diverse systems.
- Advanced Control Modes: Supports multiple communication modes, including hall-sensor trapezoidal, hall-sensor Field-Oriented Control (FOC), sensorless trapezoidal, and sensorless FOC, along with a self-calibration mode.
Felix Schill, Co-Founder and CTO of Hydromea, commented on the launch: "As many robotics developers, we’ve been frustrated with the unavailability of a compact, efficient, and precise ESC motor controller in the market. So we developed one for our own thrusters. The D-FIN™ ESC Motor Controller represents a significant advancement in marine motor control technology. Its compact size, high efficiency, and versatile integration capabilities make it an ideal solution for enhancing the performance of robotic systems and many other equipment that requires precise control of BLDC motors."
Hydromea continues to lead in marine innovation, as evidenced by recent developments such as the EXRAY™ underwater inspection ROV equipped with proprietary LUMA™ wireless communication technology. The introduction of D-FIN™ further solidifies Hydromea's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for marine exploration and inspection.
Teledyne Marine Unveils Innovative BlueStreamX2 Enhancement for Benthos Acoustic Modems
Teledyne Marine is pleased to announce BlueStreamX2, which doubles the data rate for Benthos Acoustic Modems in the WideBand C frequency without impacting their communication range performance. This cutting-edge upgrade is now available across all Benthos modem families – Acoustic Telemetry Modem (ATM), Compact Modem (CM), and Ultra Compact Modem (UCM) – as well as on UTS topside systems.
Benthos acoustic modems, renowned for their reliable underwater data transmission using digital signal processing modulation techniques, have historically operated over a 5 kHz bandwidth with bit rates up to 2400 bits per second. With the new BlueStreamX2 enhancement, the bandwidth has been expanded to 10 kHz, doubling the data rate to 4800 bits per second.
This breakthrough is made possible by the innovative high-frequency transducer design, extending performance over the band from 20 kHz to 30 kHz. While the WideBand C transducer has been a staple since the UCM's introduction in 2020, the new firmware leverages its full potential, bringing unprecedented speed and efficiency to underwater data communication.
All command structures, specifications, and operating parameters remain unchanged, ensuring seamless acoustic communication with previous generations of Band C modems. The BlueStreamX2 enhancement is exclusive to modems using the WideBand C transducer and is not available for older Band C modems nor for LF and MF products.
“The real benefit of utilizing the wider 10 kHz bandwidth is that we’re able to double the acoustic data throughput while still maintaining the same communication range capabilities. The BlueStreamX2 innovation gives you both speed and distance,”, said Carl Mancuso, Benthos Product Line Manager.
Get ready to experience the future of underwater acoustic data transmission with Teledyne Marine's BlueStreamX2 enhancement – setting new standards in the industry.
Teledyne Marine Launches SeaBat T51-S Multibeam, Setting a New Standard in High Resolution Subsea Mapping
Teledyne Marine is proud to announce the launch of the SeaBat T51-S multibeam echosounder, the latest advancement in the SeaBat T-series. Building on the success of the flagship SeaBat T51-R, the new SeaBat T51-S is designed specifically for subsea applications, enabling deployment on ROVs and AUVs for deep-sea exploration and underwater surveys.
The ‘S’ in SeaBat T51-S stands for Subsea, highlighting its ability to operate at extreme ocean depths of up to 6000 metres. Encased in a pressure-rated housing, the SeaBat T51-S maintains all the superior features of the original SeaBat T51 while offering unmatched versatility for underwater deployment beyond vessel-based operations. Like other SeaBat multibeam systems, the T51-S extends the portfolio’s capability to extreme depths, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of subsea applications.
Key Benefits of the SeaBat T51-S:
1. Superior Data Quality – The SeaBat T51-S delivers exceptionally clean data with minimal false detections. This ensures highly accurate survey outputs, reducing the need for timely post-processing and manual correction.
2. Unmatched Resolution – Offering the sharpest, most detailed seabed imagery available, the SeaBat T51-S can detect small objects such as cables, rocks, and boulders as small as 0.3 meters in size, providing an unparalleled level of detail for underwater mapping and inspection. This exceptional resolution is achieved due to its small receiver beamwidth of 0.25.
3. Expanded Swath Width – The SeaBat T51-S offers unmatched performance with its impressive 170 swath width at 800 kHz, covering a significantly larger area of the seabed in a single pass, increasing efficiency and reducing survey time.
4. Ultimate Automation –The SeaBat T51-S features advanced automated control. The integrated 'Tracker' technology automatically adjusts sonar settings in real time, making operation simpler, reducing the need for specialised skills or expertise and allowing the operator to rely on the system while focusing on other critical tasks.
Pim Kuus, Senior Hydrographer and Product Manager at Teledyne Marine, commented:
“The SeaBat T51-R is recognised as the best-in-class multibeam system, so anticipation for the new T51-S has been high. We’re happy we can now meet user demand with a system that delivers the highest-resolution subsea mapping while maintaining exceptional data quality.”
With the introduction of the SeaBat T51-S, Teledyne Marine continues to push the boundaries of sonar technology, enabling scientists, researchers, and commercial operators to achieve unparalleled mapping performance, in a wide range of subsea survey and inspection applications.
SeaBat T51-S will be launched on Teledyne Marine’s stand T7 at Ocean Business 2025.
Show visitors can see the SeaBat T51 in action on ASVs at Teledyne Marine’s dockside area (HS02) and during on-water demonstrations aboard CRC GALAXY. Click here to book an on-water demo session.
For more information or to order the SeaBat T51-S, visit www.teledynemarine.com.
Hydromea Unveils D-FIN™: A Cutting-Edge ESC Motor Controller for Robotic Vehicles
Hydromea, a pioneer in underwater robotics and wireless communication, is proud to announce the launch of its newest product, the D-FIN™ Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) Motor Controller. This state-of-the-art device is engineered to deliver unparalleled efficiency, compactness, and precision for brushless permanent magnet DC (BLDC) motors and thrusters.
The D-FIN™ controller is engineered in Switzerland to offer unmatched compact power and precision for Hydromea’s unique DISKDRIVE™ thrusters and many other brushless permanent magnet DC (BLDC) motors in the robotics and equipment space. This advanced controller brings smooth, silent, and efficient performance to your motors. To fit into the smallest robotic vehicles, it can be stacked on a proprietary backplane to optimize space constraints and reduce cabling. Multiple digital interfaces provide flexibility to integrate D-FIN™ into your system with ease. D-FIN™ can be controlled and monitored via RS485 serial bus, CAN bus, USB-C, or PWM.
Key Features of D-FIN™:
• Compact Design: Measuring just 83 x 62 x 12 mm and weighing 80 grams, D-FIN™ is engineered for applications where space and weight are critical.
• Wide Input Voltage Range: Supports input voltages from 10 to 36 V, offering versatility across various power systems.
• High Current Handling: Capable of managing up to 25 A of current, ensuring robust performance for demanding applications.
• Flexible Communication Interfaces: Offers RS485, CAN bus (configurable), USB-C (virtual serial port), and PWM interfaces for seamless integration with diverse systems.
• Advanced Control Modes: Supports multiple communication modes, including hall-sensor trapezoidal, hall-sensor Field-Oriented Control (FOC), sensorless trapezoidal, and sensorless FOC, along with a self-calibration mode.
Felix Schill, Co-Founder and CTO of Hydromea, commented on the launch: "As many robotics developers, we’ve been frustrated with the unavailability of a compact, efficient, and precise ESC motor controller in the market. So we developed one for our own thrusters. The D-FIN™ ESC Motor Controller represents a significant advancement in marine motor control technology. Its compact size, high efficiency, and versatile integration capabilities make it an ideal solution for enhancing the performance of robotic systems and many other equipment that requires precise control of BLDC motors."
Hydromea continues to lead in marine innovation, as evidenced by recent developments such as the EXRAY™ underwater inspection ROV equipped with proprietary LUMA™ wireless communication technology. The introduction of D-FIN™ further solidifies Hydromea's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for marine exploration and inspection.
Meet Hydromea at Ocean Business 2025!
Hydromea will be exhibiting at Ocean Business 2025 at Stand R3, showcasing its latest innovations, including the D-FIN™ ESC Motor Controller, LUMA™ optical communication technology, and EXRAY™ wireless underwater. Join us to see these groundbreaking solutions in action, meet our experts, and explore how Hydromea is shaping the future of underwater technology.
Marine AI unveils hat trick of mous to revolutionise maritime operations
Marine AI has recently announced the launch of a hat trick of commercial contracts in waiting, with Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) issued that showcase the remarkable versatility of its cutting-edge software and underscore its transformative impact on maritime operations.
Seabot Maritime, a pioneer in workforce development solutions, will partner with Marine AI to develop an immersive training programme for USV operators and the creation of new specialized courses for advanced navigation with complex systems. Hefring, a frontrunner in AI-driven optimisation, will contribute its state-of-the-art tool designed to revolutionise maritime course planning by harnessing localised weather data. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy, globally recognised for its maritime defence expertise, is set to advance next-generation training pathways for uncrewed systems, thereby setting new standards in operational excellence.
Marine AI’s cutting-edge software leverages machine learning and real-time analytics to tackle key challenges in navigation, safety, and operational efficiency. It has recently played a pivotal in the Royal Navy’s CETUS, first Extra Large Underwater Autonomous Vehicle (XLUAV) technology demonstrator, Zero USV’s, that is building the world’s first fleet of autonomous charter boats for hire and the Royal Navy’s Patrick Blackett trials ship.
Tom Rooney, general manager at Marine AI, said: "We’re delighted to partner with such forward-thinking, leading organisations in international maritime. Seeing our software being applied in such a wide array of applications is truly exciting. We're at the forefront of a digital revolution in maritime operations, pioneering solutions that not only revolutionise navigation, safety and performance but also set new benchmarks for efficiency at sea."
Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime, said: “By partnering with Marine AI, we're combining our training expertise with their world-beating navigation and situational awareness systems to deliver programs that prepare operators for the complexities of modern maritime autonomy."
Captain Keith Stephenson, head of NavyX, said: “AI and autonomous systems will be pivotal in ensuring the Royal Navy’s readiness for future challenges, and this trial is an important step in understanding how these cutting-edge tools can enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and the safety of our personnel. This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in naval innovation, positioning the Royal Navy and the UK maritime industry at the cutting edge of this journey.”
OSIL Ocean Business 2025 Product Highlight
Ocean Scientific International Ltd
Stand C1
Join OSIL at Ocean Business 2025 (Stand C1) to explore the forefront of marine engineering and scientific innovation. Our advanced USV profiling winch systems are engineered to deliver precision, reliability, and integration for demanding oceanographic applications:
• Micro Profiling Winch: This ultra-compact, fully autonomous winch offers a rapid deployment solution for high-resolution profiling. Engineered for streamlined installation and precision data collection, it is capable of operating at depths up to 500m, making it an ideal tool for detailed environmental analysis.
• Profiling Winch: Designed for rigorous performance, this automated winch system supports both robotic and manual control modes. With the ability to handle loads up to 1 tonne, operate at depths reaching 1.5km, or support advanced equipment with a 12-core slipring configuration, this design facilitates seamless integration with larger USV systems and surface platforms, serving critical applications in military research, aquaculture monitoring, and oceanographic exploration.
Discover how OSIL's cutting-edge technology can enhance your marine data acquisition capabilities and support sophisticated research initiatives.
For further technical details, please contact us at +44 (0)2392 488240 or via email at [email protected].
Visit www.osil.com for more information.
Navtech radar launches the world’s first 77ghz fmcw maritime radar set to transform ocean safety
The world’s first 77GHz FMCW marine radar, a groundbreaking, ultra-high-definition W-band system for all-weather navigation and safer manoeuvring in crowded waterways, has recently launched.
Navtech Radar’s MAS10, developed in collaboration with leading marine companies, has true all-weather capability provides unparalleled reliability in all-weather environments. Unlike optical and infrared sensors, its W-band radar technology cuts through fog, heavy rain, and snow, providing clear and consistent detection. It excels in low visibility conditions, functioning seamlessly in darkness, bright sunlight, and shadowed areas where cameras and LIDAR often fail.
Built with a ruggedised design specifically for mission critical marine applications, the MAS10 withstands sea spray and mist, ensuring accurate performance even when moisture would typically degrade other sensors. And its resistance to wind and turbulence guarantees uninterrupted tracking, even in rough conditions, making it essential for safe and efficient navigation.
The MAS10 radar is designed with developers in mind, offering seamless integration into existing and emerging autonomous systems. With open architecture, standardised APIs, and comprehensive SDK support, it enables effortless connectivity with navigation software, sensor fusion platforms, and AI-driven vessel control systems. Its plug-and-play capability ensures minimal setup time, while robust data output formats allow for easy customisation and real-time processing.
The MAS10 launches as maritime traffic reaches unprecedented levels and autonomous vessels take centre stage, making precision more critical than ever. Unlike traditional longer-range radars, which struggle to detect small objects up close, the MAS10 offers centimetre-level resolution, allowing vessels to identify and classify even the smallest hazards in congested waterways.
Rachael O’Connor, marine business development manager at Navtech Radar, said: “Uncrewed vessels are set to revolutionise maritime operations across numerous applications and markets, from energy to border control. However they face a critical gap in sensor technology for situational awareness in congested waterways. Conventional radars excel at long-range detection, but new challenges demand more advanced solutions. The MAS10 radar is purpose-built for marine automation, combining 1km range with centimetre-level precision and all-weather reliability.
“The MAS10’s high-resolution imaging enables machine-learning-powered classification, setting a new standard for safe and intelligent navigation. With 25 years of Navtech expertise, the MAS10 is designed to enable safer and smarter navigation for the future of maritime operations.”
Matthew Ratsey, founder and managing director of Zero USV, has worked closely with other leading innovators in the marine industry to help drive the development of the MAS10. He said:
“High-definition short range (up to 1km) radar are vital in completing ‘the picture’. When you are totally reliant on your sensor pack for your autonomous navigation, ensuring you have the complete picture is vital.
“Navtech’s MAS10 is such a unit, the definition and quality to pick up even the smallest of targets in cluttered environments is vital for the autonomous industry to continue seeking the goal of ‘jetty to jetty’ navigation where busy harbours still represent a significant challenge.”
With over 6,000 radar deployments in mission-critical environments worldwide, Navtech continues to lead the way in radar innovation. The MAS10 represents the next evolution in marine situational awareness, empowering the future of autonomous navigation with unmatched precision, reliability, and intelligence.