The licence
is centred on Dstl’s Advanced USV Capability Project, due for
completion in late 2017, which has developed an autonomous navigation
system that enables USVs to operate safely at both high and low speeds.
With funding from Dstl, ASV Global has developed advanced marine autonomy
software, recently showcased on the Tidal Thames with the Royal Navy.
This agreement allows ASV Global to expand the use of the software,
the intellectual property of which lies with Dstl.
This licencing agreement will enable ASV Global to exploit this technology
across its current product range which offers Autonomous Surface Vehicles
for both military and commercial applications.
ASV Global’s Managing Director Dan Hook said: “Working with
Dstl has enabled ASV Global to design and test advanced autonomous capabilities.
This technology will enable ASV Global to access new market areas as
well as continuing to solidify our position as the leading autonomous
surface vehicle system supplier”.
While this software has obvious applications for the marine sector,
Dstl’s Dr Philip Smith, Ship Systems & Integrated Survivability
Programme Manager says it could be used elsewhere: “There is a
need for more efficient platforms with greater automated systems across
all domains – air, land and sea – so there are many potential
routes for this software.”
Initially, ASV Global will integrate the software onto its ASView™
control system for a demonstration at the Unmanned Warrior event in
the waters off Scotland in October, in which more than 40 autonomous
systems are taking part. |
