In a world driven by the demand for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and fully autonomous operations, the need for reliable and robust perception methods has never been greater. These USVs are tasked not only with navigating their environments but also with identifying potential hazards along their path. Traditionally, USVs have relied on conventional sensors, such as radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System), GPS, and nautical charts, to accomplish this. However, a significant gap exists in the field of USVs, and VAIDAR is poised to bridge that gap.
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Almost all USVs in the industry, both in commercial and defense sectors, are equipped with some form of electrical-optical (camera) sensors. Yet, the full potential of this data remains largely untapped, even in the most advanced autonomous systems. Camera-based sensor data, in nearly all applications, necessitates human intervention for manual interpretation and hazard assessment, leading to inefficiencies and decision-making delays. This image data must be transmitted offboard the vessel before it can be processed by a human operator. This presents a significant problem, affecting both the latency of hazard detection and adding substantial bandwidth requirements to an already congested command and control remote network.
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VAIDAR represents a groundbreaking advancement in USV technology by automating the processing of electro-optical (camera) data directly onboard the vessel. This processed information can then be seamlessly integrated into the vessel's autonomy stack and/or operator interface, providing an output like radar contacts.
VAIDAR's Empowering Capabilities:
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Enhanced Safety:
By automatically detecting and assessing hazards in real-time, VAIDAR significantly enhances the safety of USV operations. It distills detected hazards into a contact point that can be easily plotted on the USV's operator display or fed into navigational autonomy systems.
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Increase Efficiency:
With VAIDAR, USVs can operate more efficiently and autonomously, reducing reliance on remote transmission offload and manual monitoring and decision-making. VAIDAR processes images onboard the vessel, reducing processing time and bandwidth requirements for remote viewing.
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Optimize Navigation:
VAIDAR enables USVs to confidently navigate complex environments. It provides precise information about the location and nature of hazards, enabling better route planning and obstacle avoidance.
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Passive Sensing Modality:
Particularly valuable for defense customers, VAIDAR's camera-based sensors do not emit radio signals to collect data about the surrounding environment. This enables USVs to maintain perception sensing capabilities while minimizing the risk of detection by adversaries.
VAIDAR is a game-changer in the world of Uncrewed Surface Vessels, ushering in a new era of autonomous operations. By automating the processing of electro-optical data, VAIDAR enhances safety, efficiency, and navigation while simplifying the operator's role. Experience the future of USV technology with VAIDAR and take your operations to the next level.