Sensor Technology Ltd. and Kraken Robotic Systems Inc. will work together on a multi-sector collaboration to develop a compact, multi-element passive acoustic array primarily to conduct passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), which is used in defence applications, oceanographic research, marine mammal protection activities, and energy exploration.
The Autonomous COMPASS (Compact Passive Acoustic Sensing System) Project is focused on developing a portable, embedded passive acoustic capability which will allow the data to be collected and analyzed in-real time, onboard an untethered autonomous underwater vehicle.
Historically, PAM has been done through deploying passive acoustic nodes on the seafloor, which is a time consuming and expensive process. The nodes are susceptible to damage from collision, bottom trawlers and human error leading to delays, unpredictability of data and increased costs.
Alternatives are available in the form of towed passive and active acoustic arrays; however, these tend to be bulky (requiring large vessels to deploy) and cost prohibitive (restricting their use to military applications). Analysis of the data collected from current towed arrays must be done by highly skilled operators, using complex software, often requiring significant post-processing.
Remote monitoring has gained popularity through the introduction of long endurance autonomous platforms such as underwater gliders but the data integration from these tools remains limited to satellite communications.
This represents a first of its kind project that will be designed, developed and manufactured in Canada and will allow for faster, more reliable and affordable data acquisition.
Development of this new technology will support the ocean industry by providing faster, accurate and reliable data, assisting all types of ocean technology applications to better test, track and execute functions in a real-time environment.
For more information contact
Derek Mackenzie, Marketing Manager
