Our robotic products take to the defence world stage
This week our Ocean Systems Technician, John Peters, is basking in the Portuguese sun whilst we’re all digging around for our cosiest jumpers. John isn’t just there for the weather though – he’s representing RS Aqua with a collection of our innovative robotics products at the prestigious Exercise REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems).
Throughout the week, our products will be pushed to the limit by some of the world’s most established defence forces, and will become stablemates with other highly-advanced ocean technology from all sectors.
What is REPMUS?
REPMUS is an annual exercise led by the nation of Portugal, and brings together cutting-edge technology and defence forces from around the world, with a focus on capability development and interoperability between the united countries.
Exercise REPMUS is supported by a host of organisations including NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), EDA (European Defence Agency), NATO JCGMUS (Joint Capability Group Maritime Unmanned Systems), NATO CMRE (Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation), and FEUP (Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto), and is a critical part of improving the defensive readiness and collaborative efforts of NATO’s 32 allied nations, including both Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Our role
We frequently attend REPMUS in order to demonstrate our range of AUVs, including the brand new RECALL micro-AUV from one of our key suppliers, SEABER. This compact, recoverable device is essentially a highly specialised version of the popular YUCO AUV, developed specifically for defence applications such as Anti-Submarine Warfare.
In order to meet its demanding criteria, the RECALL is equipped with such programmes as being able to mimic submarine acoustic signatures across multiple training modes including passive, active or combined acoustics.
Who are SEABER?
SEABER is a French technology company that specialises in Micro-AUV platforms, including the RECALL. SEABER was founded by a small team of four ocean robotics experts who had each operated in the industry for over a decade. Quentin, Vidal, Julien and Clément each brought a unique skillset to the table and thus the YUCO was born, a tiny AUV with the capabilities of much larger systems.
Recently, the YUCO made history as the first micro-AUV to cross the English Channel unassisted. Challenges involved in this endeavour included strong tides and currents, hazardous fishing equipment and one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
Watch the Channel Crossing film
With John, the RECALL micro-AUV, and the technical support from SEABER, we are incredibly proud to be part of this exercise that strives to enhance naval security, improve operational efficiency, and foster greater collaboration between our allied nations. As this year’s REPMUS exercise unfolds, we look forward to pushing our robotic systems to the limits.
You can keep up to date with Exercise REPMUS by following the Portuguese Navy social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/MarinhaPortuguesa
https://www.twitter.com/MarinhaPT
https://www.instagram.com/marinhaportuguesa/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/marinha-portuguesa/