System Architecture and Communication Infrastructure for the RoboVaaS Project

Current advancements in waterborne autonomous systems, together with the development of cloud-based service-oriented architectures and recent availability low-cost underwater acoustic modems long-range above-water wireless devices, enable new applications to support ships port activities. Autonomous surface vehicles can, for instance, be used perform bathymetry environmental data collection tasks ensure under keel clearance monitor quality water. Similarly, remotely operated can deployed inspect ship hulls typical infrastructure elements, such as quay sheet pilling walls. In this article, we present complete system small-scale demonstrations Robotic Vessels as-a-Service project, which introduces an on-demand service-based cloud that dispatches unmanned capable performing required service either autonomously or piloted. These vessels are able interact sensors shore station through integrated network. The developed has been validated sea trials showcased sensor use case. results test presented article provide a proof concept design indicate its technical feasibility. It also shows need further developments mature technology allowing robotic maritime assistance services real operational scenarios.