ECA demos new robotics features
ECA Group has demonstrated two new features on an experimental model of its A9-E AUV as part of the EU-funded Smart and Networking Underwater Robots in Cooperation Meshes (SWARMs) project, the company announced on 18 July.
The at-sea demonstration was held in the Black Sea port of Mangalia, Romania, earlier this month.
The modifications on the AUV included an extra acoustic modem with network protocols from Evologics fitted in a modified front payload section, and advanced autonomy interface onboard computing capabilities.
The new modem enables the integration of the A9-E AUV in a multiple access underwater communication network. The use of this multiple access acoustic network deconflicts the use of multiple vehicles operating in the same area. Using a USV as a Wi-Fi and RF gateway, status vector including AUV position and speed was successfully displayed on the topside SWARMS multi-vehicle mission management tool.
The advanced autonomy interface was developed to allow mission parameters to be adapted on the fly. A real-time quality analysis and control of a bathymetric survey was conducted using a Klein 3500 interferometric side-looking sonar. Quality factors were extracted in real-time from the raw sonar data.
The factors measured the interferometric baseline decorrelation, which can result from many factors including reduced signal to noise or multipath interference in shallow water and degrades the accuracy of the depth soundings. The altitude of the survey was adapted to between 4m and 6m to minimise the baseline decorrelation and to increase the accuracy of the soundings.
The three-year SWARM project invovles partners from ten European countries. It aims to develop innovative solutions and increase knowledge levels in underwater robotics.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
