2G Robotics launches line of payloads for light, modular AUVs

May 7, 2020 | AUVSI News

2G Robotics has launched a line of payloads that can be used on light, modular AUVs.

The RECON line of products includes the RECON CS, which is a 4K stills camera and LED lightbar payload, as well as the RECON LS, which is a payload that features the ULS-500 Micro laser scanner and Micro OBSERVER stills camera.

“We have proven this as a viable inspection solution for man-portable AUVs for commercial and naval mine countermeasure (MCM) applications,” says Chris Gilson, Product Development manager for 2G Robotics.

“This removes the final barrier to adoption of these small vehicles and could revolutionize the cost effectiveness of high accuracy inspection operations.”

2G has spent the last year miniaturizing its laser scanner and stills camera solutions to integrate with small, modular AUVs. The payloads allow OEMs to offer 2G’s RECON line as a standard payload on their vehicles, which gives users flexibility and performance previously not available from their fleet.

According to 2G Robotics, testing conducted during the winter and spring proved that subsea laser modelling can be achieved with cost efficient navigational sensors aboard these small AUVs, with measurement error of less than three centimeters. The company adds that along with its hardware, its proprietary algorithms enhance and light level stills images in real time, delivering high resolution processed results upon retrieval of the vehicle.

The RECON CS system is now available for purchase, and 2G Robotics says that it has delivered the first RECON CS system to an undisclosed customer in the United States. The RECON CS is available as an option for the REMUS AUV.