Pilot Site 3: Autonomous Marine Vehicle Operation Site
Autonomous Marine Vehicle Operation Site
A Dynamic Hub for Unmanned Systems Innovation
Nestled in Šibenik, near the Martinska marine station operated by the Ruđer Bošković Institute, this pilot site provides immediate access to open water for remote experiments, continuous monitoring, and technology demonstrations involving autonomous marine vehicles. By integrating onshore facilities, a cabled underwater network, and specialized diving services, Pilot Site 3 offers a versatile environment for advancing the future of maritime autonomy.
Shore Station: Real-Time Control and Collaboration
A dedicated shore station serves as the central nerve center for maintenance, data management, and secure communications. Connected to submerged nodes via fiber optic cables, it allows operators to:
- Monitor and control autonomous surface and underwater vehicles in real time
- Exchange high-bandwidth data with the CoE MARBLE headquarters and other pilot sites
- Coordinate multi-robot missions and test advanced navigation algorithms using remote access technologies
Cabled Underwater Network: Power and Data Beneath the Surface
At the heart of Pilot Site 3 lies a cabled network of submerged nodes arranged around a central hub. Each node is designed for:
- Environmental sensing (e.g., temperature, salinity, pollutant levels)
- Acoustic and optic communication testing
- Target detection and localization for autonomous vehicles
- Docking and energy transfer experiments for AUVs
Researchers can easily reconfigure or expand this network, adding satellite nodes and novel sensors to support evolving R&D objectives.
Diving Center: Maintenance, Training, and Safety
A fully equipped diving center stands ready to support underwater installations, maintenance tasks, and research dives. Meeting international diving standards (e.g., AAUS), this facility includes:
- Air and Nitrox supply systems for extended dives
- A mobile pressure chamber for emergency decompression and added safety
- Hands-on training opportunities for scientists, students, and industry partners eager to develop expertise in marine operations
Field-Ready AUV: Bridging Science and Application
To showcase and validate cutting-edge marine autonomy research, the pilot site operates a shallow-water AUV capable of diving up to 100 meters. Equipped with modular payloads—such as side-scan sonar—it facilitates:
- Precision navigation and localization trials
- Docking and charging demonstrations
- Collaborative missions with aerial and surface robots
- Environmental surveys for ecosystem assessments
Driving Tomorrow’s Maritime Autonomy
By offering an all-in-one platform for remote experiments, real-time control, and innovative robotics testing, Pilot Site 3 accelerates the development of reliable, eco-friendly maritime solutions. This synergy of infrastructure, technology, and expertise paves the way for breakthroughs in autonomous marine operations—contributing to safer, smarter, and more sustainable seas for all.