Robosys and FarSounder combine autonomous vessel control with advanced 3D forward-looking sonar
Robosys Automation has integrated its VOYAGER AI Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) software with FarSounder’s Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) technology, combining autonomous navigation, vessel control and advanced underwater situational awareness.
The integration brings together VOYAGER AI’s intelligent navigation, route planning, COLREGs collision avoidance and autonomous vessel control capabilities with FarSounder’s advanced 3D forward-looking sonar technology.
The ability to identify and respond to underwater hazards and uncharted shallow waters beyond the limits of conventional navigation sensors means that vessels fitted with this integrated capability are able to detect, track, and autonomously navigate around both surface and subsurface hazards.
The system continuously incorporates sonar-derived information into VOYAGER AI’s decision-making framework, supporting safe navigation in poorly charted waters, remote anchorages, and complex coastal environments.
“Integrating FarSounder’s proven forward-looking sonar with VOYAGER AI represents another important step towards intelligent maritime operations,” said Aditya Nawab, CEO Robosys Automation. “The ability to combine above-water sensor data with real-time underwater subsea awareness enhances navigation safety and provides operators with greater confidence when operating in challenging environments.”
FarSounder’s technology generates a three-dimensional view of the seabed and potential underwater obstacles ahead of the vessel, providing critical information that traditional echo sounders and charts alone may not deliver. By feeding this data into the VOYAGER AI autonomy stack, vessels can benefit from a more complete understanding of navigational risks and opportunities.
The integration offers significant advantages for USV operators, where autonomous and remotely supervised vessels frequently operate in areas where underwater hazards present operational risks. By incorporating forward-looking sonar data into VOYAGER AI’s autonomous navigation engine, USVs can achieve enhanced mission safety, improved route optimisation, and increased operational resilience.
“The maritime industry is increasingly recognising the importance of sensor fusion in both crewed and uncrewed vessels,” said Matthew Zimmerman, CEO FarSounder. “Integrating our forward-looking sonar with VOYAGER AI allows operators to leverage underwater awareness as part of a wider intelligent navigation solution.”
For USV operators, it delivers an additional layer of environmental understanding essential for safe autonomous operations in dynamic maritime environments.
