Following the successful completion of Phase 3 of the Autonomous Expeditionary Maritime Response Vehicle (AEMRV) prototype last fall, Greensea IQ has extended its prototype agreement with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the U.S. Navy.
This contract modification aims to showcase a production-ready edge processing configuration of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Workspace, known as EOD Edge, within Greensea’s IQNS.
This setup integrates advanced autonomy and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) components, marking a key step toward equipping U.S. Navy EOD Technicians with cutting-edge technology.
Phase 4 Developments
The focus of Phase 4 is to advance EOD Edge by incorporating sophisticated AI features, including sonar-based target classification and ‘operator-assist’ autonomy for untethered or long-range operations. These enhancements are designed to significantly improve the capability and flexibility of EOD operations.
IQNS & EOD Integration
Greensea’s IQNS system is equipped with an NVIDIA edge processor, integrated fiber optic gyro, navigation sensors, and Greensea’s proprietary navigation solution for small underwater robots. IQNS serves as an upgrade for systems utilizing Greensea’s defense software suite and is employed across the company’s robot product line.
The system is being enhanced with advanced autonomy capabilities to support the acquisition, classification, and neutralization of subsea threats while maintaining substantial standoff distances for EOD personnel.
Upgrading ROVs with EOD Edge
The development of EOD Edge enables upgrades to the existing fleet of VideoRay Defender remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used by the Navy and other defense entities. These upgrades are set to enhance the operational effectiveness of ROVs, offering greater scale and safety for EOD personnel tasked with maritime threat mitigation.
The upgraded VideoRay Defenders, now integrated with EOD Edge, will deliver robust solutions for underwater EOD missions. Features such as sonar-based target classification and operator-assist autonomy will improve threat detection and neutralization accuracy.
Advancing Bayonet AUGVs
Technologies developed through this program will enhance Greensea’s EOD Edge software and IQNS integration, with a lighter deployment option available through IQNS Mini. Expected in Q4 2024, these advancements will be featured in Greensea’s Bayonet Autonomous Underwater Ground Vehicle (AUGV) robots and the VideoRay Defender for defense applications.
Ben Kinnaman, Founder and CEO of Greensea IQ, stated, “We are really excited about this opportunity to continue working with DIU and the Navy in the AEMRV program. I believe in this mission and I believe in the role technology can play in creating safety and scale for these critical operations.
“The concepts of autonomy and AI foster ideas of futuristic robots replacing humans and the way we work on the ocean. In reality, autonomy and AI, at almost any stage of development, can aid humans and how we work on the ocean. In this case, these technologies will keep warfighters safe, provide them a greater reach, and give them an opportunity to do more with less. It is awesome the DoD is pursuing this common-sense application of cutting-edge technology.”
