FarSounder has received a Manufacturing Innovation Voucher from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to advance the integration of automatic target recognition into its 3D forward-looking sonar software.
The funding allows the company to transition an existing proof-of-concept into a fully integrated software prototype capable of automated classification. The research focuses on identifying specific sonar targets including seafloor features, engine noise interference, wake-related bubbles, and various in-water objects such as coral, rocks, ice, and whales. The system is built on a framework intended to scale, allowing for the addition of new target classes as more data is processed.
Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co‑Founder of FarSounder, commented, “This award allows us to accelerate meaningful innovation that directly supports safer navigation and smarter decision‑making at sea. By applying modern AI techniques to the unique challenges of sonar data, we’re enhancing our ability to deliver more actionable information to mariners while opening the door to new applications across manned and unmanned vessels.”
The development process utilizes a proprietary dataset exceeding 80 terabytes of global sonar recordings collected over two decades. FarSounder has already developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) that processes raw sonar data in real time. This machine-learning approach performs at a level comparable to traditional classical algorithms but provides the flexibility to expand recognition capabilities through further training.
The technology is expected to impact several maritime sectors, including high-speed passenger vessel pilot-assist systems and autonomous or minimally manned platforms. By improving collision-avoidance capabilities, the software updates will serve both the existing FarSounder customer base and emerging Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) platforms.
Stefan Pryor, Secretary of Commerce, stated, “Innovation Vouchers reflect the state’s commitment to supporting innovative companies such as FarSounder. Commerce’s grant aims to accelerate the company’s research and development while also strengthening our ocean economy, one of Rhode Island’s key industries, by reinforcing our position as a leader in ocean technology and advanced manufacturing.”
As a specialist in the blue economy, FarSounder’s focus on automated classification highlights a broader industry shift toward enhancing environmental awareness and operational safety through advanced manufacturing.
