Smart Ports, Clean Waters: How USVs Are Transforming Environmental Monitoring
Credit: Daniel Rasmussen, HydroSurv.
Introduction
In a pioneering initiative, non-invasive Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) will be deployed for water quality monitoring in three major South West regional ports: Dartmouth, Falmouth, and Plymouth. This initiative is part of the "Smart Ports, Clean Waters" project, led by Somerset-based marine acoustic monitoring experts, MSeis. The project aims to enhance public understanding of water ecosystems in these ports by providing accessible data on pollution in the region’s rivers and estuaries.
Project Details
The project involves a technical collaboration with Exeter-based HydroSurv and Chelsea Technologies. A specialized sensor payload from Chelsea Technologies will be integrated into MSeis’ three battery-electric HydroSurv REAV-16 uncrewed vessels. These remotely controlled USVs will collect a range of water quality and eutrophication data during weekly deployments from stations in Dartmouth, Falmouth, and Plymouth. The collected data will be accessible to regional stakeholders via a cloud-based geospatial data viewing platform developed by HydroSurv.
David Hull, CEO of HydroSurv, emphasized the project’s impact:
“This zero-emission, safe and sustainable solution for water quality data collection will achieve widespread coverage at three of the South West’s key harbours.”
Mark Higginbottom, Managing Director of MSeis, added:
“This project will significantly enhance environmental monitoring of our harbours and coastal waters.”
The Role of AI in USVs
Although the REAV-16 doesn't use AI, models including the REAV-28 use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operational capabilities. Key applications include:
Autonomous Navigation and Collision Avoidance: AI algorithms enable USVs to autonomously navigate complex marine environments. These systems process data from various sensors (radar, sonar, LiDAR, and cameras) to create real-time maps, plot optimal routes, and avoid obstacles, ensuring compliance with maritime collision regulations (COLREGS).
Environmental Monitoring: AI processes data from environmental sensors to provide insights into water quality, marine life populations, and pollution levels.
Maritime Surveillance and Security: AI enhances USVs’ capabilities in surveillance and security tasks, such as port security and border patrol. AI-powered computer vision helps in identifying and tracking vessels, detecting unauthorized activities, and providing real-time alerts to human operators.
Fleet Coordination: AI allows multiple USVs to operate as a coordinated fleet, sharing data and making collective decisions. This "swarm intelligence" approach improves the reliability and coverage of data collection missions, especially in large and complex areas.
Technology and Industry Players
AI-powered USVs showcase cutting-edge technology and collaboration among leading industry players:
Voyager AI: This full-stack software solution provides autonomous navigation and remote control for USVs, using sensor fusion from various sources to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Nvidia AI Technology: Integrated into platforms like Saildrone, Nvidia's AI technology enhances autonomous capabilities, including real-time data processing for oceanographic research.
Robosys Automation: Offers AI-driven solutions for autonomous navigation and collision avoidance, designed to handle various maritime tasks efficiently and safely.
Conclusion
The "Smart Ports, Clean Waters" project represents a significant advancement in the use of USVs for environmental monitoring. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise from MSeis, HydroSurv, and Chelsea Technologies, this initiative aims to provide comprehensive and accessible data on water pollution, contributing to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems in South West England.
