ZeroUSV, Oshen, and MarineAI have launched a project to develop an autonomous sensing network for underwater operations, supported by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI).
The project will utilise the Oceanus12, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) built by ZeroUSV, to transport and launch a cluster of Oshen C-Star vessels. These C-Stars act as a distributed passive acoustic network capable of picking up signals from underwater platforms such as the XV Excalibur, which serves as a representative Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV).
UKDI, previously known as the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), is funding the programme. The technology combines autonomous deployment and passive sensing to monitor critical infrastructure, such as subsea cables and pipelines.
MarineAI is responsible for integrating the C-Star launch system with its GuardianAI software on board the Oceanus12. This will allow the vessels to coordinate their movements and mission planning autonomously.
“Underwater operations depend on knowing where assets are and whether they’re operating as intended, but direct communications aren’t always desirable or possible,” said Matthew Ratsey, Co-founder and Managing Director at ZeroUSV.
“This project lets us explore a different approach, using Oceanus12 to place a small constellation of surface vessels that can listen passively and provide assurance without compromising the mission.”
The programme is currently moving through an initial design and integration phase.
