Public Funding for Sonardyne International Limited

High resolution 3D maps are required for an increasing number of key subsea applications from installation and operation of offshore wind energy, asset decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and defence. Quantum photonic detection technologies can offer a step change in the resolution, accuracy, coverage, and speed of generation of these maps compared to existing acoustic or traditional imaging solutions. The approach proposed in this project differs from other techniques, as it relies on state-of-the-art single photon detection technologies, which allow for three-dimensional imaging with extremely low light level return, typically less than one photon per pixel (in the so-called "sparse-photon" regime) - that corresponds to high underwater attenuation. Single-photon detection is a quantum technology which has recently been exploited for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications. One major advantage for underwater imaging is that it is in the ideal spectral region for CMOS SPAD detectors, which have made significant recent advantages in functionality of large efficient SPAD detector arrays. This project is led by the marine industry and addresses current industry requirements and will utilise SPAD arrays and laser sources for subsea infrastructure mapping. It is expected that the project will lead to other underwater applications - this project will act as a pathfinder to more widespread deployment of single-photon imaging in the subsea inspection and mapping industry. This project brings together key Industrial and Research institutions with world-class backgrounds to collaboratively develop a commercially viable subsea imaging system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) imaging technique. The key objective is to deliver a complete imaging system based on novel 2D spatial single photon array detector technology, which can be deployed to a subsea vehicle and robustly generate 3D images and maps at large stand-off distances or high altitude above the sea floor.

High resolution 3D maps are required for an increasing number of key subsea applications from installation and operation of offshore wind energy, asset decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and defence. Quantum photonic detection technologies can offer a step change in the resolution, accuracy, coverage, and speed of generation of these maps compared to existing acoustic or traditional imaging solutions. The approach proposed in this project differs from other techniques, as it relies on state-of-the-art single‑photon detection technologies, which allow for three-dimensional imaging with extremely low light level return, typically less than one photon per pixel (in the so-called "sparse-photon" regime) - that corresponds to high underwater attenuation. Single-photon detection is a quantum technology which has recently been exploited for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications. This project exploits recent advances funded under the UK National Quantum Technology Programme in underwater single-photon LiDAR measurements and CMOS silicon single‑photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector array development. One major advantage for underwater imaging; it is in the ideal spectral region for CMOS based SPAD detectors, which have made significant recent advances. This project is led by the marine industry, addressing current industry requirements and will utilise bespoke CMOS SPAD arrays and laser sources for subsea terrain mapping. It is expected that the project will lead to other underwater applications - this project will act as a pathfinder to more widespread deployment of single-photon imaging in the UK subsea industry. This project brings together key industrial and academic institutions with world-class backgrounds to collaboratively develop a commercially viable subsea mapping system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) imaging technique. The key objective is to deliver a complete mapping system based on novel 2D spatial single‑photon array detector technology, which can be deployed to a subsea vehicle and robustly generate 3D maps at high altitude above the sea floor.

SoAR is focused on delivering a fundamental shift in the use of marine robotics through the networking of heterogeneous fleets of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and uncrewed surface vehicles overseen by a fleet level autonomy engine capable of adaptive mission planning. The existing paradigm of a single high-power vehicle with expensive support vessel and large numbers of people is currently the preserve of a limited number of operators and does not scale easily to meet the emerging needs of the offshore wind sector. In particular end-users are looking for the most cost-effective means to observe the environment, respond to incidents, as well as monitoring both operational, decommissioned and wrecked structures. This dependence on large vehicles is driven by the payload and power requirements to support high-grade navigation instruments. The project's approach is to overcome this by developing enabling technology for the operation of heterogenous AUV/USV networks. This will be achieved through both the development of software, a new class of communications and navigational instrument, enabling open interface networking protocols. While these capabilities will be trialled and demonstrated on both NOC and ecoSUB AUVs, the objective is to deliver open interfacing, including ROS to enable implementation on a wide range of vehicles. Combined, these technologies will result in less expensive and more efficient operations, enabling better allocation of assets and sensors. This will promote cost-effective delivery of sustained observation, precision inspection and emergency response capabilities. Specifically, this will deliver vast performance improvements over current state-of-the-art, where an individual AUV makes decisions based on its own limited locally sourced data. This will also enable a step change in micro-AUV performance allowing them to operate with similar accuracy and standards of vehicles an order of magnitude of cost higher. The project includes a range of hardware, software and systems innovations culminating in a multi-vehicle demonstration of collaborative, autonomy-driven operation. Some of the hardware improvements, in particular the new small-scale hybrid navigator device design, will be developed and validated during the project for later deployment.

Subsea inspection and surveys require highly accurate mapping to support activities such as site assessment, detailed inspection, and asset maintenance. Data collected can be leveraged through the advancements and application of underwater robotics and autonomous systems to support future industry grow. By improving data accuracy and utility, operational costs and campaign durations can be reduced, eliminating the need for repeat surveys. This supports making offshore a trusted cost efficient and sustainable industry. SEAMless (Subsea Enhanced Autonomous Mapping) will develop a gold standard in composite 3D mapping to deliver the 'Google Maps' of subsea with positioning better than GPS. The fusion of multiple complementary sensors, such as visual perception, novel bio inspired wake detection, acoustic-inertial hybrid navigation, and position sensors, will provide an unambiguous answer to "Where am I?" and "What's around me?". This makes the task of deciding what to do next much easier for autonomous assets and is a key enabler for next-generation trusted long-endurance subsea autonomy. The advanced perception and intelligent decision-making systems will run on-board an autonomous underwater vehicle through a modular architecture. The provision of dense millimetric mapping and drift tolerant positioning, in turn, reinforces the autonomous navigation and control to improve system performance and safety. The latest in serious gaming technologies will provide advanced visualisation, situational awareness and pre-mission planning and post-mission analysis. SEAMless will operate in open water and near infrastructure, for offshore renewables, oil and gas decommissioning and environmental assessments to provided targeted surveys and inspections. This project aims to create a system that could feasibly map an entire offshore windfarm creating a digital model through multiple session, with increased autonomous awareness enabling underwater robots to position themselves and navigate along safe collision free path.

HydroSurv - an impact-driven innovator in Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) and marine geospatial cloud applications, is collaborating with Sonardyne International Ltd, Dynautics Ltd and Fischer Panda UK Ltd to develop an optimised hybridisation solution for remotely operated, uncrewed vessels. Combining innovations in human-assisted autonomous control of serial hybrid propulsion, mission planning and active platform efficiency measures, the consortium will develop and validate a solution for small USVs capable of delivering trusted multi-mission capability and long-endurance necessary to disrupt the deployment of large carbon-intensive ships in the offshore wind, ocean science and maritime security markets. Building upon each partner's existing experience and expertise, the project will deliver a USV platform which could cut carbon emissions by 97% compared to commercial vessels currently in-use in the UK supply chain performing similar work-scopes; and provides pathway to full zero-emission long-endurance capability. Deploying commercially available equipment with novel software and control algorithms, the focus of the project is to deliver a solution which can achieve certification to workboat code standards at rapid pace to minimise time to market. The system will undergo extensive and progressive testing at Smart Sound Plymouth, and will include long-endurance Sea Acceptance Testing within UK waters.

HydroSurv Unmanned Survey (UK) Ltd, (_HydroSurv_) is building upon the successes of its '_Robotics for a Safer World_' Demonstrator project by developing and showcasing a transformative environmental monitoring solution for the offshore renewable energy sector in collaboration with Sonardyne International Ltd - a world-leading underwater acoustic positioning, inertial navigation, subsea wireless communications and sonar technology systems company. By combining new Sonardyne seafloor and vessel-mounted instruments with HydroSurv's REAV-40 Unmanned Surface Vehicle, the project will show how the applicant's combined technologies can provide an end-to-end service for 'seabed data to desk' with unprecedented benefits to third-party stakeholder Vattenfall during a series of demonstrations at the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) in Aberdeen. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the resilience of deployed ocean-sensing instruments which enable continued data-flow with reduced hands-on human input which has never been more important than today to safeguard routine monitoring and survey capabilities - over the longer term, this approach will the reduce cost, risk, time and carbon footprint of actionable data.

Fault tolerant, high availability navigation systems used in the oil and gas industry today can already be considered automated. However, there are always at least two people on watch on typical mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) as the Dynamic Positioning systems still rely on human intervention to take action when automatic fault detection and decision making are defeated. Automatic station keeping of a MODU is currently limited to benign environments where the operation of other vessels within 500m is either forbidden or highly regulated. The project will address these limitations by delivering a step change in the level of automated positioning possible. The technology developed and demonstrated will enable a vessel to behave in a safe and predictable manner beyond the point at which existing systems revert to human control. This will include safe, predictable positioning in the event of a sensor failure (such as the denial of GNSS), and enhanced positioning to enable moving in a challenging and complex environment.

"This project will improve the navigational accuracy of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) helping to further reduce the dependency on offshore infrastructure for wide area surveys of challenging marine environments. This will be achieved by a combination of three novel techniques: 1. Using enhanced autonomy to increase the accuracy of Long BaseLine (LBL) calibration to achieve 1m, deep sea positional accuracy; 2. Reducing the power requirements of the navigation systems, and 3. Reducing AUV dive errors via novel techniques for deep sea errors for current profiling."

An analysis of the performance of the transducer used in our sound speed sensor, particularly under conditions when deployed subsea and investigation into any physical changes that may occur.

ASV, NOC and Sonardyne are working together to deliver an innovative and game changing offshore pipeline survey system. Utilising the benefits of autonomous vehicles on the surface and underwater to make a step change in operational cost and safety. ASV's autonomous surface vehicle C-Enduro will provide navigational updates and mission planning to NOC's Autosub Long Range autonomous underwater vehicle which will be using Sonardyne Solstice sidescan sonar to inspect subsea pipelines. This project will utilise stakeholder engagement to develop a clear project plan to provide a commercial system to provide autonomous survey capabilities and with realtime detection and notification of suspected issues for further investigation.

This programme combines unmanned surface vessels (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and novel communications technology into an integrated system to provide a means of conducting low cost shore based full water column marine surveys. Success will accelerate the wider adoption of unmanned systems and will enable long term, low-cost survey and monitoring operations for offshore energy applications, deep sea mining prospecting and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) monitoring. There will also be a consequential reduction in the need to place humans in dangerous environments and a greater acceptability of unmanned systems by operators and regulators.