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Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Systems

What are Unmanned Systems?

Law enforcement and defense agencies use unmanned maritime systems to achieve effective and actionable maritime domain awareness (MDA). Unmanned systems include remote-controlled boats, drifting buoys, drones, and satellites that provide visibility into areas that would otherwise be unmonitored. 

Four Examples of Unmanned Systems

There are four different types of unmanned systems being used to monitor the world’s seas and oceans. 

  1. Unmanned surface vehicles (USV): vehicles operating on the sea surface, powered by renewable energy sources
  2. Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV): autonomous vehicles that operate beneath the surface
  3. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV): aerial drones equipped with sensors for maritime applications
  4. Stationary systems: fixed platforms or networks that continually monitor ocean conditions

There are a number of different vehicles within these categories, as shown in the following table.

Type of SystemDescriptionMonitored Parameters
Saildrone (USV)Wind and solar-powered surface vehicleWeather, fisheries, climate
Wave Glider (USV)Propelled by wave energy for data collectionMarine life, illegal fishing activities
REMUS (UUV)Autonomous underwater vehicle for various surveysHydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring, mine countermeasures
Slocum Glider (UUV)Buoyancy-driven glider for long-duration missionsOceanographic data (temperature, salinity, currents)
SeaExplorer Glider (UUV)Designed for long-duration missions, collecting physical and biochemical dataPhysical and biochemical properties of the ocean
SeaHawk (UAV)UAV equipped with sensors for sea surface monitoringSea surface temperatures, ocean color, marine pollution
ScanEagle (UAV)UAV for maritime surveillanceIllegal fishing, oil spills, marine traffic
ARGO Floats (Stationary)Network of drifting profiling floatsTemperature, salinity, currents
DART (Stationary)Buoys that detect and report tsunamis in real-timeTsunamis
Unmanned Systems

What are the Benefits of Unmanned Systems Compared to Manned Systems?

There are a number of benefits to using unmanned maritime systems:

  • Human safety: eliminates the need for human presence in dangerous environments, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life
  • Remote operations: can operate in hazardous conditions, such as severe weather, high-risk security zones, and polluted or radioactive areas
  • Extended missions: can conduct long-duration missions without the need for rest or resupply, allowing for continuous operation over extended periods
  • Greater coverage: covers vast areas of the ocean, including remote and hard-to-reach locations that may be difficult or impossible for manned vessels to access
  • Multiple simultaneous deployments: multiple units can be deployed simultaneously to cover large areas
  • High-resolution data: using advanced sensors and technology, unmanned systems can collect high-resolution, real-time data on various oceanographic parameters

One of the major advantages of unmanned maritime systems is the flexibility and agility they provide:

  • Multi-role capabilities: can be adapted for a variety of roles, including surveillance, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and scientific research, depending on what your organization currently needs
  • Quick deployment: can be rapidly deployed and redeployed as needed, providing flexibility in response to emerging situations or changing mission objectives
  • Lower production and operation costs: cheaper to build and maintain, they require less fuel and personnel to operate, keeping your organization agile 

Which Technological Advancements Have Driven the Adoption of Unmanned Systems?

A number of technological advancements have pushed the development and adoption of unmanned systems in the maritime industry forward. One of the most critical advancements has been in sensor technology. 

Modern sensors are highly sophisticated, capable of collecting high-resolution data on a wide range of parameters. These sensors, combined with advanced data processing algorithms, enable real-time analysis and decision-making, which is crucial for efficient maritime operations.

Advancements in battery technology and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wave power, have also played a pivotal role. These innovations allow unmanned systems to operate for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging or refueling, increasing their operational endurance and reducing logistical complexities. 

Improvements in communication technologies, including satellite and radio frequency communications, ensure reliable data transmission between unmanned systems and control centers, even in remote ocean areas.

AI and machine learning have further revolutionized unmanned maritime systems. Enabling these systems to perform complex tasks autonomously, from navigation to environmental monitoring, enhances their efficiency and reduces the need for human intervention. 

Collectively, these technological advancements have made unmanned systems more reliable, cost-effective, and versatile, driving their widespread adoption in the maritime industry.