A UK subsea testing site has created a stir with a multi-robot demonstration, highlighting its potential to accelerate maritime autonomy and ocean sensing. The Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project – part of Plymouth’s growing Marine Innovation Center – has demonstrated cutting-edge underwater testing infrastructure and is now inviting industry and research partners to join future trials.
the Intelligent audio connectivity under the surface The project, part of Smart Sound Plymouth, led by the University of Plymouth, with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), saw platforms from Aqua ocean, EcoSub Robots, Saberand Sonardin Working together above and below the surface, before the new subsea testbed designed to accelerate the UK’s maritime independence and ocean sensing concluded its live demonstration of the multiple surface and subsea robotic platform which underscored the underwater test capabilities.
Professor James FishwickHead of Innovation at Smart Sound Plymouth (at PML) commented: “Smart Sound Plymouth is going from strength to strength. The addition of the subsurface network enables greater integration between platforms and supports our cutting-edge testing capabilities for autonomous vehicles and advanced technologies.”
“It complements the military-encrypted high-speed network above the surface and helps provide a fully connected environment. This successful technology demonstration also reflects Plymouth’s position as a world-leading center for maritime autonomy.”
The day-long collaborative display allowed visitors from business, science, defense and national bodies to see the capabilities of the three-year £1.2 million ($1.59 million) SSCS project, the key element of which is a seafloor node array, which provides absolute positioning and communications using Ultra-Short Passive Baseline (USBL) technology to test underwater systems in a high-quality, real-world test environment.
Ian VincentDirector and General Manager of ecoSUB Robotics said: “Smart Sound and the SSCS environment have already been a very useful resource for ecoSUB Robotics. We have recently collaborated with Sonardyne in developing a subsea AUV launch and navigation solution.
“Smart Sound has provided the perfect place to test this technology, with easy access to open waters, ships and subsea nodes, and an open and helpful community that supports the activity.”
The SSCS infrastructure, provided by Sonardyne, extends Smart Sound Plymouth and the Western Channel Observatory, with a seafloor node array for absolute positioning and communications, along with other smart sensors within a very distinct environment. During the demonstration, both the University of Plymouth’s Seaber autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and the ecoSUB AUV navigated simultaneously using only the seafloor node array.
Dr. Lillian DearA senior research fellow at the University of Plymouth confirmed: “SSCS provides a unique opportunity to test new ocean observing technologies. To me, its value lies in transforming prototypes and field-tested technologies into reliable data streams, accelerating ocean observing towards autonomous sensing and near real-time visibility.”
“This helps transform ocean data into actionable intelligence for climate resilience, early warning and preparedness, while the infrastructure itself enables technological innovation and stronger industry collaboration.”
Pioneer An unmanned surface vessel (USV) from Plymouth-based ACUA Ocean tracked and controlled on the surface an AUV from Southampton-based ecoSUB using a Sonardyne Ranger 2 Gyro USBL GPS on the USV, which collected data wirelessly from a Sonardyne Origin 600 acoustic Doppler current profiler permanently deployed at SSCS that also transmitted real-time data to shore, and a live Internet feed as part of the Western Channel Observatory – via the Oceanographic Monitoring Station L4 long lasting.
Additionally, Marine AI has demonstrated the ability to continue navigation, even when the GNSS system stops, using Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav, based on experiments conducted at SSCS earlier this year. The demonstrations were watched live by guests from the UK and abroad inside PML’s Land Operations Center on its Plymouth campus.
Geraint WestSonardyne’s business development consultant confirmed: “This ability to test and accelerate autonomous marine system innovation in an environment known for the type of infrastructure we now have at SSCS is a real boost not just for Plymouth.
“The demonstration has received interest from across the UK and internationally, with visitors from North America, Asia and from a wide range of military, commercial, scientific and industrial stakeholders. It just goes to show the reputation that Plymouth now has and continues to build for maritime independence, thanks to the environment, ecosystem and cooperation we have in the city and on Plymouth Sound.”
As the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface project team seeks additional R&D partners to collaborate on further experiments for the SSCS test environment, it encourages anyone interested in testing new operations for undersea vehicles, underwater data telemetry, or any other use of the new connectivity infrastructure Aaron Barrettlecturer in self-government at Plymouth University, regarding participation.
John HonnibalACUA Ocean’s Chief Product Officer said: “This demonstration provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the ongoing mission utility and seafaring characteristics of the USV Pioneer as a ‘mother ship’ for telescopic robotics, data collection and data transmission at sea.
“Specifically, we used this event to demonstrate that the USV Pioneer can provide subsea surveillance and security for critical underwater infrastructure by collaborating with multiple sensor nodes fixed on the seafloor. It was also a great way to develop our relationships with capable and credible technical partners: Sonardyne, ecoSUB, PML and the University of Plymouth at Smart Sound Plymouth.”
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