Greenroom Robotics is pleased to announce that GAMA, Australia’s leading remote and autonomous control software, has been selected as the autonomy provider for EGS Survey’s USV Fremantle 01—a purpose-built 12m Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) designed to advance hydrographic and geophysical survey operations in coastal conditions.
GAMA has been integrated into the vessel to provide precision, reliability, and operational flexibility, enabling extended and highly autonomous survey missions. With 90% of the USV Fremantle 01’s operations to be conducted autonomously, GAMA enhances mission planning, execution, and safety—helping EGS Survey maximise efficiency while reducing operational risks.
"The USV Fremantle 01 has been developed by EGS Survey as part of our ongoing drive to improve the quality of our survey products whilst reducing risk to personnel, costs to our clients and lowering our environmental footprint. By integrating Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA system, we have equipped the vessel with advanced autonomous capabilities that meet the demands of even the most complex survey projects" said Charles Collins, Chief Surveyor, EGS Survey.
Why GAMA is Perfectly Suited for Survey Operations
The selection of GAMA for the USV Fremantle 01’s remote and autonomous control was driven by its ability to address the specific needs of the hydrographic and geophysical survey industry. Its capabilities allow for seamless integration with survey tools, real-time mission control, and robust remote operations, making it an ideal solution for high-precision survey missions.
Customisable Autonomy Parameters
Survey operations require high levels of precision, and GAMA enables operators to fine-tune autonomy parameters to build detailed and accurate mission plans. The system ensures that the USV Fremantle 01 maintains precise steering and positioning, outperforming manual vessel control in survey line tracking.
Intuitive Mission Management
Designed to enhance operational oversight, GAMA features customisable widgets and a modern UI that displays critical survey and navigation data in real-time. This intuitive interface enables survey teams to monitor, adapt, and optimise operations dynamically based on mission requirements.
Round-the-Clock Autonomous Operations
With GAMA-enabled autonomy, the USV Fremantle 01 can operate 24/7, allowing for continuous data collection with minimal downtime. This capability is essential for extended offshore and nearshore survey missions, increasing overall efficiency.
Safety and Compliance
Safety is a critical component of autonomous operations, and GAMA is equipped with a hierarchical fail-safe system that ensures secure operations. The software’s COLREGs-aware collision avoidance allows the USV Fremantle 01 to navigate safely in high-traffic waters and challenging survey environments.
Reliable Communication
With IP-based connectivity via Starlink and Iridium, GAMA enables reliable over-the-horizon control, ensuring uninterrupted operations in remote locations.
By integrating GAMA, EGS Survey can monitor and manage operations remotely from their Fremantle-based control centre, ensuring safe and efficient execution of survey missions in real time.
Realising the Potential of Autonomous Surveying
The USV Fremantle 01, equipped with GAMA, is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern survey missions. The vessel’s design complements GAMA’s capabilities by offering features such as a retractable gondola for enhanced sonar performance, transportability for nationwide deployment, and endurance for missions lasting over 10 days.
Peter Baker, Greenroom Robotics’ Director of Growth, commented:
"We’re excited to be part of an Australian-designed and built project like the USV Fremantle 01. GAMA’s flexibility and reliability align well with the vessel’s design, and we look forward to seeing it in operation, supporting EGS Survey’s hydrographic and geophysical work."
A Local Solution with National Impact
Named after its home port, the USV Fremantle 01 highlights the collaboration between Fremantle-based companies committed to advancing maritime technology. By bringing together Greenroom Robotics’ autonomy capabilities and EGS Survey’s operational expertise, the vessel demonstrates the potential of local innovation to address national and international survey challenges.
With its combination of advanced autonomy, flexible design, and extended endurance, the USV Fremantle 01 will be an important asset in delivering hydrographic and geophysical survey solutions across Australia.