The University of Tasmania’s AUV, nupiri muka, and its support crew recently returned home after a successful first deployment in Antarctica.
Located in Tasmania, Australia, the University of Tasmania says that nupiri muka is the first untethered Australian AUV to dive under an ice shelf, joining AUVs from the UK and Sweden as the only ones in the world with this capability.
With support from the Australian Antarctic Program, nupiri muka was successfully deployed under the Sørsdal Glacier ice shelf during the summer Antarctic season. The AUV was funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) through the Antarctic Gateway Partnership.
Technology
Technology
California DMV makes way for the testing of light-duty autonomous delivery vehicles
On Friday, April 12, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) released proposed regulations that “establish a path for companies to test or deploy light-duty autonomous motor trucks (delivery vehicles) on the state’s public roads.”
Under the proposed regulations, companies can test autonomous delivery vehicles that weigh less than 10,001 pounds with an approved permit from the DMV, as long as they don’t charge a delivery fee.
To make their autonomous technology commercially available, companies must apply for a deployment (public use) permit.
Utah launches Autonomous Shuttle Pilot Project
In partnership with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) launched its new Autonomous Shuttle Pilot Project on Thursday, April 11.
Over the next year, the shuttle will travel to different communities throughout Utah, providing the public with its first look at a completely autonomous vehicle (the shuttle will always have a host on board, though).
Capable of operating at up to 15 miles per hour, the shuttle follows a predetermined route during operations. It reacts in real-time to other vehicles, pedestrians and any obstacles in its path, thanks to being equipped with a full range of sensors.
UAVOS' new Auto-Tracking Antenna System designed to incorporate UAS
UAVOS has introduced its new Auto-Tracking Antenna System, which the company describes as a portable ground-to-air antenna designed to incorporate UAS.
Particularly suitable for UAS applications, the tracking antenna enables long-range data transmission. UAVOS says that the quality and range of stable communication transmission is greatly increased when the Tracking Antenna System is combined with the company's ground control unit.
National Oceanography Centre equipping its Autosub AUV with technology from Sonardyne
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) will equip the next generation of its Autosub AUV—targeted for under-ice operations—with high-performance hybrid navigation technology from Sonardyne International Ltd.
The new 2,000 meter depth-rated Autosub, also known as Autosub2KUI or A2KUI, is being specifically developed to carry high-performance sensors on the most demanding research missions under polar ice. It will be equipped with Sonardyne’s highest performing SPRINT-Nav inertial navigation system (INS).
Unique Group launches Uni-Cat USV
Unique Group, a provider of integrated subsea and offshore technologies, has announced that launch of its first USV, Uni-Cat.
According to Unique Group, Uni-Cat has proven hydrographic survey capabilities, making it effective for bathymetry survey offshore and in shallow waters. The ideal use for the USV is in locations where conventional survey methods are not practical.
SkyX Systems' drones selected for long-range search missions in Canada
Canada’s Advanced Tactical Training Search & Rescue Division (ATTSAR) is using drones from SkyX Systems for long-range search missions.
UAS have proven to be extremely beneficial for search and rescue missions, as a recent announcement cited by ATTSAR and SkyX Systems says that UAS-operated missions have led to 133 people being rescued across the world from 2017 through the first half of 2018.
Quadcopter UAS are typically used for these missions, but according to ATTSAR and SkyX Systems, these UAS have limitations such as endurance, the range that they can operate without a controller, and the weather conditions that they can operate in.
Kongsberg Maritime unveils new Sounder USV System
During Ocean Business 2019, Kongsberg Maritime unveiled its new Sounder USV System, which is designed and built to provide the “highest possible standard of data acquisition,” Kongsberg says.
Shortly after unveiling the new Sounder USV System, Kongsberg announced that it had signed a contract to deliver the Sounder USV System to the largest fishing company in Peru, TASA.
Local Motors' Olli autonomous shuttle headed to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
As part of Local Motors’ series of fleet challenges, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia has been selected as the next location to receive Local Motors’ Olli autonomous shuttle.
The fleet of shuttles is expected to arrive at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in the coming weeks after Local Motors maps the route the shuttle will use. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will get to use the shuttles for approximately three months.
