🥇 Uncrewed boats put to test in Australian first

🎯 Ten vessels capable of operating without humans on board, participated in the Trusted Autonomous Systems (TAS) Maritime Showcase in the first significant commercial demonstration of multiple autonomous vessels in Australia. Held at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)’s tropical marine technology test range, ReefWorks, near Townsville, autonomous vessels completed an obstacle course, avoided collisions, and reacted to low visibility. One demonstrated surveying a marina, avoiding moored yachts.

🎤 TAS Assurance of Autonomy Activity Lead Rachel Horne said: “The lack of tailored regulatory pathways and clear guidance, and the uncertainty and restriction this causes, is one of the primary obstacles to continued growth of the autonomous systems industry in Australia”.

🤝 TAS collaborated with Frazer-Nash Consultancy and consulted with operators, industry and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to create a COLREGs Operator Guidance Framework. Ms Horne said the live demonstration highlighted the capability of Australian autonomous vessel operators and put the COLREGs Operator Guidance Framework into practice, providing invaluable feedback for fine-tuning.

🎤 ReefWorks Project Director Melanie Olsen said the AIMS facility opened its doors to industry, Defence and academia this year, with support from the Queensland Government, to provide the world’s first tropical water marine technology test range. “The TAS Maritime Showcase is a unique opportunity to bring the autonomous marine systems community together to safely test vessels’ capabilities and compliance,” she said.

The participants in the showcase included: BTB Marine with vessel Indigo powered by Sea Machines’ autonomous ships technologies, USV WAM-V by Marine Advanced Robotics, James Cook University, Unique Group with USV Uni-Pact, and AIMS with static displays provided by L3 Harris, Ocius and EdgeROV. Regulatory approval was provided by AMSA and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, both represented at the event.

TAS is working closely with AMSA on a range of regulatory initiatives to support the Australian autonomous systems ecosystem, including The Australian Code of Practice for Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vessels.

📃 Source: AIMS

📷 Photo: Jo Hurford