#IITMadras Researchers have developed a Solar-Powered Unmanned Autonomous Survey Craft for Indian Ports and Inland Waterways. It can undertake autonomous hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and provide real-time data transmission over long distance.
This system could be equipped with an echo sounder, GPS System and broadband communication technology, capable of delivering precise depth measurements. In addition to the echo sounder and GPS system, it is possible to add additional oceanographic payloads (current and velocity measurements), 360-degree Camera, LiDAR for seamless topography and bathymetry measurements.
The craft had a successful field-test recently off the Chennai Coast at Kamarajar Port. Further field trials under harsher environments have been scheduled during November 2020 at Syama Prasad Mookerjee (SMP) Port, Kolkata.
The Autonomous Survey Craft was developed by a Research Team at the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) in IIT Madras. The Researchers are already in the process of commercializing this technology with the help of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, and IIT Madras Incubation Cell.