An Unmanned Surface Vehicle developed by a Kochi-based robotic startup.
Recently, passersby along the banks of the Periyar River may have spotted a compact unmanned boat, a notable innovation in robotics from a Kochi-based startup. The sleek yellow Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) has undergone a successful seven-month trial period.
Showcased at the recent Robotics Round Table in Kochi, the multi-purpose USV stands out among various drone technologies. With its mono hull design, the 1.76-meter long and 0.90-meter wide vessel boasts a draft of 0.31 meters and is engineered for eco-friendly operations, featuring an electric propulsion system.
This innovative USV supports a modular plug-and-play architecture, capable of carrying over 100 kg of payload in addition to its 70 kg of built-in components. It can operate for approximately two and a half hours at a speed of three knots, or around one and a half hours at higher speeds.
The startup’s proprietary waypoint-following autopilot system allows for both remote and semi-autonomous operation. “Our systems enable map loading from the command center, making it versatile for various applications,” stated the Managing Director of the startup.
The USV serves dual purposes in defense and commercial sectors. It is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, and can serve in hydrographic and bathymetric surveys for both inland and marine contexts. With embedded sensors, it is capable of scanning seabeds, facilitating water-based construction, and addressing needs in the oil and gas industry.
The startup is also developing a fully autonomous version, expected to be ready next year. Despite not having officially launched the product, there is already significant interest from potential clients, including sectors focused on defense. Additionally, the USV has applications in monitoring water pollution and supporting aquaculture operations.
The base model, which includes a camera, GPS, battery, software, and a command control center, is priced at ₹40 lakh.
