The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) research vessel is set to receive an upgrade to its navigational capabilities including Cambridge Pixel’s advanced radar processing software to support a new Simrad radar.
The upgrades are being undertaken by unmanned vessel professionals from Submergence Group and also include the latest version of Guardian Autonomy from Marine AI.
The MAS project was inspired by the journey of the original Mayflower from Plymouth, UK, to the New World in 1620.
It began in 2019 as a collaboration between ProMare, IBM and a variety of industry and academic partners.
The project focused on developing a vessel capable of traversing the Atlantic Ocean autonomously, while also supporting scientific research and education.
It relies on the latest technologies including artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems such as radar to navigate and make decisions in real-time.
“We are delighted to be supporting the Mayflower Autonomous Ship on this prestigious and scientifically important programme,” Cambridge Pixel’s MD, David Johnson.
“Our experience with working on USV projects around the world enables us to provide expert support for our flexible radar and sensor processing solutions.”
Cambridge Pixel are the go-to company for radar processing solutions.
Submergence Group’s president, Brett Phaneuf
Cambridge Pixel’s technology will help to enhance the situational awareness and safety of MAS with the software able to accept and convert proprietary data formats.
The radar system upgrade will incorporate Cambridge Pixel’s SPx Server application for advanced target tracking and SPx Fusion Server for the fusion of tracks from the multiple onboard sensors.
This helps the MAS detect targets of all sizes, ensuring safe navigation by providing accurate data to Guardian Autonomy, the AI-enabled collision avoidance system from Marine AI.
SPx Fusion Server combines target observations from multiple radars and sensors (AIS, IFF, ADS-B) into a single stream, using the most reliable information from each.
“Selecting the right partners to provide technologically advanced and reliable software is vital to Submergence Group in delivering successful vessel upgrades,” said Submergence Group’s president, Brett Phaneuf.
“Cambridge Pixel are the go-to company for radar processing solutions and provide the technical support and expertise needed to overcome any project challenges.”
The MAS is equipped with an array of sensors and scientific instruments aimed at collecting data on oceanographic and environmental variables for scientific research into climate change, ocean health and marine biodiversity.
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