The Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar (3DFLS) technology from FarSounder has been integrated with Robosys Automation’s VOYAGER AI™ autonomous navigation software, supporting enhanced real-time situational awareness and obstacle detection for superyachts and Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs).
The integration combines VOYAGER AI’s route planning, collision avoidance, and vessel control capabilities with FarSounder’s three-dimensional sonar, enabling vessels fitted with the capability to detect, track, and autonomously navigate around both surface and subsurface hazards. It is designed to help identify underwater hazards and uncharted shallow waters beyond the limits of conventional navigation sensors.
Matthew Zimmerman, CEO of FarSounder, commented, “Autonomous navigation is only as capable as the information available to the system. By bringing Argos 3D sonar’s real-time underwater perception into the VOYAGER AI autonomy stack, vessels can extend their situational awareness below the surface and into the water ahead. Integration of complementary sensor technologies is important for crewed and uncrewed vessels. This integration demonstrates how vessels can have a more complete understanding of their environment, helping them navigate with greater confidence and safety.”
FarSounder’s technology generates a three-dimensional view of the seabed and obstacles ahead of the vessel, providing underwater perception that standard echo sounders and charts alone cannot deliver. Sonar-derived information is incorporated into the VOYAGER AI decision-making framework, supporting navigation in poorly charted waters, remote anchorages, and complex coastal areas.
VOYAGER AI is designed for use across leisure craft, commercial vessels, and advanced autonomous platforms, with scalable autonomy and decision-support capabilities tailored to operational requirements.
For the superyacht sector, the integration is intended to improve onboard safety and navigational confidence, including when operating in remote destinations. For USVs operating in areas where underwater hazards present operational risks, incorporating forward-looking sonar data into autonomous navigation can support mission safety, route optimisation and operational resilience.
Aditya Nawab, CEO of Robosys Automation, stated, “Integrating FarSounder’s proven forward-looking sonar technology with VOYAGER AI represents another important step towards intelligent maritime operations. The ability to combine above-water sensor data with real-time underwater subsea awareness enhances navigation safety and provides operators with greater confidence when operating in challenging environments.”
