Yanmar Holdings and Sony Group Corporation are to work together to develop underwater sensing technology.
The two companies have established a joint venture, Yanmar Blue Tech, a new company, which is 90% owned by Yanmar Holdings, and 10% owned by Sony Group.
The joint venture combines the two companies’ experience in creating new technologies and solutions to address marine sustainability, developing and implementing underwater sensing and robotics technologies.
The new company has been set up to address issues such as ecosystem conservation and workforce shortages in underwater infrastructure inspections.
Underwater image clarity
Its first initiative is a research project to enhance and commercialise remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used for underwater surveys and hull-cleaning operations.
The hull-cleaning ROV project involves the development of a high-pressure water jet ROV, along with a debris collection system capable of filtering and retrieving organic material at a micrometer level.
Sony’s technologies including global-shutter image sensors are incorporated into the ROV to capture images of moving objects with the aim of enabling underwater image clarity, 3D data generation, and precise self-positioning in underwater operations.
Advanced ROV technologies
“We are pleased to have established this joint venture under the vision of using technology to enrich, protect, and nurture the oceans,” said Eiji Michigami, CTO, Yanmar Holdings.
“Our customers have expressed strong interest in advanced ROV technologies, and we believe this collaboration will play an important role in addressing marine challenges.
“Together, we will contribute to marine environmental conservation and the growth of sustainable industries.”
Toshimoto Mitomo, chief strategy officer, representative corporate executive officer, Sony Group Corporation, added: “Through this collaboration in developing cutting-edge ROVs for marine ecosystem conservation, we hope to advance the implementation of Sony’s image sensors and other technologies, such as 3D spatial sensing, throughout society.
“We aim to broaden the possibilities of technology and contribute to solving global and social issues through co-creation with our partners.”
