Greenroom Robotics x International Conference on Maritime Autonomy and Remote Navigation 2023

At the inaugural International Conference on Maritime Autonomy and Remote Navigation (ICMAR Nav) 2023, Greenroom Robotics’ CEO James Keane contributed to the discourse on the future of maritime operations.

The ICMAR Nav conference, held at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania, provided an interdisciplinary stage for discussing the advancing domain of maritime autonomy. As an alumnus of the Australian Maritime College, Keane was invited to share his experience and discuss the current state of the transformation process.

Keane's presentation was focused on a pragmatic approach to increasing autonomy in maritime sectors. He discussed the need for an integrated software platform that could serve as the foundation for developing high-performing Human Autonomy Teams. This platform should support four key software pillars: autonomy, perception, mission management, and digital twins.

The autonomy engine, Keane explained, solves remote and autonomous control with optional crewing configurations. It should be architected to rapidly deploy new behaviors and AI, and offer adaptive autonomy, while acting within maritime collision regulations.

The perception stack is a pivotal component that allows AI to support daily life at sea, and also provide visual inputs to autonomy engines.

The mission management system (MMS) is critical for centralising operational and technical data for planning, monitoring and analysis. A web-based MMS can provide standardised digitisation across fleets, optimising human interaction with autonomous systems, and minimising administrative burdens by automating reporting.

The bi-directional mission simulator, as described by Keane, is a link between real and virtual maritime environments. Used for pre-mission training, common operating pictures, and testing, it offers a digital twin for enhanced engagement with autonomous systems across the mission cycle.

Finally, Keane emphasised three critical enablers to ensure timely transformation: 1) deploying modern Test & Evaluation to provide trust and assurance, 2) minimising software complexity and increasing explainability, and 3) advancing organisational growth through education and engagement.

In conclusion, the conference supported collective efforts to solving technical, workforce, and regulatory challenges. As Greenroom helps to transform the maritime sector through the ethical application of Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and AI (RASAI), we are all better positioned to make safer, cleaner oceans a reality.

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