Charles River Analytics

Charles River Analytics is a pioneer in autonomy technologies, leveraging our 40-year history in advanced AI/ML R&D to develop today’s leading-edge products and prototypes. Our work is supported by partners, end users, and distinguished sponsors through countless government technology development programs.

Awarion^® Autonomous Lookout System

Camera-agnostic software delivering 24/7 collision avoidance for human crews and autonomous systems

Awarion^® is an AI-driven system that utilizes electro-optical and infrared video technology to detect, classify, track, and report maritime obstacles, including whales and vessels, enhancing situational awareness for both crewed and autonomous ships. It augments human lookouts and radar by autonomously detecting a range of hazards, helping vessels navigate safely, reduce risk, and comply with regulations.

Maritime situational awareness

Equipping your vessel with Awarion supports crewmembers in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations by addressing the topside limitations of radar- and acoustic-based systems, detecting and reporting on a variety of hazards and obstacles including whales, ships, sailing vessels, fishing buoys, navigational markers, and other equipment.

Awarion represents a groundbreaking innovation in maritime situational awareness, helping you avoid vessel strikes, reduce costs, comply with environmental requirements, and reduce crew time spent on highly manual and repetitive tasks.

Detecting what radar can’t see and acoustics can’t hear

To help mitigate vessel strikes and support marine life conservation, Awarion uses electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) methods, which provide greater detail and resolution than radar. These smart capabilities allow the system to mimic the behavior of human watchstanders by continually scanning the environment and dynamically tracking targets of interest.

Using EO/IR, Awarion detects what radar can’t—like a whale’s blow or surfacing—and classifies objects in real time. Since whales don’t produce sounds detectable by passive acoustics, these visual capabilities are critical.

Awarion technologies reduce or eliminate the need for onboard protected species observers (PSOs), allowing work to continue in darkness, fog, and other adverse conditions—observers can perform their work in a fraction of the time.

Flexible configuration options

Awarion can be provided as a standalone software solution that integrates with your existing onboard cameras, or as an integrated package bundled with our smart cameras. Awarion is camera agnostic, so there is no need to buy new hardware if you’ve already invested in a set of cameras.

Awarion EO/IR cameras feature state-of-the-art imaging sensors. Cameras mounted in fixed positions can also be networked together to provide a 360-degree operating picture. The adaptable UI supports local or remote operation with map-based review and annotation. Awarion enables 360-degree coverage using multiple fixed cameras or PTZ-controlled sweeps, with autonomous follow-up. Ongoing software updates enhance detection and speed through the latest deep neural networks.

Applications

Vessel & Hazard Detection

Awarion is ideal for providing superior situational awareness and hazard detection for vessels operating in a wide variety of maritime industries, including military and defense, offshore domestic energy production, shipping, recreational boating, and shipbuilding and repair.

Marine Mammal Conservation

Awarion can detect events that radar and hydrophones cannot, such as whale blow, surfacing, and quiet movement. Armed with Awarion’s advanced collision-avoidance notification system, vessels are notified in time to avoid deadly collisions.

The system’s real-time identification of marine supports conservation by providing accurate data on their presence and movement—critical for strategies to reduce human impact.

The Awarion team collaborates with marine mammal experts to continually refine its capabilities, making it a vital tool for protecting vulnerable species. (ECO Magazine)

Windfarm Development

Awarion can be a key player when constructing, operating, and maintaining offshore wind projects. Adding Awarion to crew and equipment transport vessels mitigates environmental impact and compliance risks by offering real-time object classification and threat assessment. Awarion supports Protected Species Observers (PSOs) in their efforts to detect and protect marine life.

Deployment in projects like Vineyard Wind 1, the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind project, demonstrates Awarion’s effectiveness in supporting marine mammal protection and regulatory compliance, ultimately contributing to sustainable offshore wind energy development (Charles River Analytics and Vineyard Wind).

Shipping Industry

For shipping companies, Awarion provides an essential tool for collision-avoidance and maritime safety. The system enhances the detection of other vessels, fishing gear, and obstacles that radar might miss, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring smoother navigation.

Awarion’s ability to detect objects several kilometers away allows for timely evasive maneuvers, safeguarding cargo, crew, and vessels. Its integration into existing marine radar systems offers a comprehensive solution for enhanced situational awareness, contributing to safer and more efficient shipping operations.

Customized Solutions are Available

Awarion is under active development. We are constantly expanding its capabilities through our research and development work. The annual license entitles you to upgrades as they are integrated into the Awarion product. If you have a particular feature that you are looking for, please connect with the Awarion team.

Marine Testing, Operations, and Maintenance Services

Our Marine Systems Test Facility is located on Block Island Sound in Wakefield, Rhode Island. It provides, year-round access to littoral testing waters in the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge as well as Block Island Sound. Testing services include assembly, transport, deployment, operation, evaluation, and maintenance of marine systems, including the following:

• Uncrewed underwater vehicles (3–30 feet)
• Underwater and ruggedized sensors
• Underwater moored systems
• Surface platforms and vessels
• Custom and complex underwater devices

Learn more: Marine Testing, Operations, and Maintenance Services

Media Coverage

• MarineLink: AI Technology Targets Enhanced Naval Escort Safety
• Rhode Island PBS Weekly: Green Seeker: Wind, Whales and AI
• Bloomberg: How AI Is Being Used to Save the Whales
• The AI Journal: Using Deep-Learning AI to Protect Marine Mammals
• Energy Center: Vineyard Wind plans to use new tech to protect right whales
• USA Today: How can artificial intelligence protect whales? Offshore wind company has a plan
• Sea Technology Magazine: Machine Learning to Protect Whales