Spatial Integrated Systems to demonstrate autonomous USV to examine feasibility of improving Maritime Domain Awareness

February 26, 2020 | AUVSI News

After being awarded a contract with the US Coast Guard (USCG), Spatial Integrated Systems Inc. (SIS) will demonstrate an autonomous USV to examine the feasibility of improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the remote Pacific Ocean.

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, SIS has partnered with MetalCraft Marine U.S. and Honolulu, Hawaii’s Navatek, resulting in the combination of the SIS Multi-Agent Robotic Teams (SMART) Autonomy System and the MetalCraft 7m Interceptor Boat for commercial sale as an “intelligent, goal-oriented” autonomous USV.

SIS describes the integration of its SMART Autonomy into MetalCraft’s 7m Interceptor as “seamless” and “inexpensive,” adding that it will demonstrate to the USCG the opportunity to optionally unman/man any auxiliary craft in their inventory. 

COLREGS compliant, SMART Autonomy is a leader in multi-robot control, SIS says, as it offers “unmatched capability for swarm and cooperative missions with multiple UxVs.” Currently being used by the USCG Cutter Boat-Large (CB-L) Program, the 7m Interceptor was chosen for several reasons, including its ability to operate in extreme conditions, its proven ability to be launched and recovered from USCG Cutters, and its large space for future payloads.  

“We are excited to demonstrate the maturity of our technology and the flexibility to employ multiple optionally manned platforms affording a Coast Guard Commander tremendous opportunities,” says Sam Lewis, SIS’s president & chief operating officer.

SIS says that it will demonstrate a comprehensive ability to detect threats and safeguard U.S. homeland, prevent illegal fishing, and stop intrusion into protected marine sanctuaries. The open ocean demonstration will take place this summer approximately 30 miles south of Oahu, Hawaii in a 20 square mile area.

“Spatial Integrated Systems is proud to have been chosen by the USCG to conduct this demonstration and to play a leading role in the sustainment of America’s edge in autonomy and unmanned systems,” the company says.