Mayflower Autonomous Ship gets radar upgrade from Cambridge Pixel

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), a groundbreaking research vessel, is set to receive a significant enhancement to its navigational capabilities. This includes advanced radar processing software from UK-based Cambridge Pixel to support a new SIMRAD radar. The upgrades, undertaken by unmanned vessel experts Submergence Group, also include the latest version of Guardian Autonomy from Marine AI.

The MAS project is focused on developing a vessel capable of traversing the Atlantic Ocean autonomously, devoid of any human intervention, while also supporting scientific research and education. The project was inspired by the iconic journey of the original Mayflower from Plymouth, UK, to the New World in 1620, and was started in 2019 as a collaboration between ProMare, IBM and a variety of industry and academic partners. It relies on cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems such as radar to navigate and make decisions in real-time.

Cambridge Pixel’s technology is pivotal in enhancing the situational awareness and safety of the autonomous ship, enabling it to navigate the high seas with unprecedented precision and reliability. Their partnerships with leading radar manufactures, including Simrad, enable their software 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.

As a leader in radar and sensor processing solutions and with wide experience in supporting Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs), Cambridge Pixel were the obvious choice to support this project. Cambridge Pixel’s software provides Marine AI with unparalleled control and processing for many radar systems and it facilitates the seamless integration of safety-critical data for USV operations at sea.

🎤 Commenting on the project, Submergence Group’s President, Brett Phaneuf, said “Selecting the right partners to provide technologically advanced and reliable software is vital to Submergence Group in delivering successful vessel upgrades. Cambridge Pixel are the go-to company for radar processing solutions and provide the technical support and expertise needed to overcome any project challenges.”

🎤 Cambridge Pixel’s managing director, David Johnson, added “We are delighted to be supporting the Mayflower Autonomous Ship on this prestigious and scientifically important programme. Our experience with working on USV projects around the world enables us to provide expert support for our flexible radar and sensor processing solutions.”

📃📷 Source: Cambridge Pixel