The Lookout That Never Sleeps: Innovative AI Trial Safeguarding the Oceans in the NT

An Australian-made technology capable of autonomously detecting marine life and ocean hazards has completed a successful trial in one of the country’s most sensitive marine environments — marking a major step forward for ocean safety and environmental protection.

Deployed off the coast of Arnhem Land through a partnership between Riverside Oceanic and Perth-based Greenroom Robotics, the system demonstrated how AI-driven situational awareness can strengthen crew safety, safeguard marine wildlife, and enhance oversight during complex survey operations.

Improving situational awareness and safety in the sensitive Arnhem Marine Park with Lookout+.

A 60-Day Hydrographic Mission in a Sensitive Marine Environment

Riverside Oceanic, part of the 100-year-old Australian-owned Riverside Marine Group, mobilised the Riverside Guardian to support a 60-day hydrographic project gathering critical data in the sensitive marine environment of Arnhem Marine Park.

To enhance safety and reduce risk to personnel onboard and marine wildlife, the vessel was equipped with Greenroom Robotics’ Lookout+ system for the duration of the project.

Lookout+ uses AI to detect, classify and geolocate vessels, marine mammals, navigation markers and other ocean hazards in real time. Integrated with optical, radar and thermal cameras, the system identifies potential collision threats and delivers continuous 360° situational awareness — operating 24/7.

Proven Performance at Sea

During the two-month deployment, Lookout+:

• Recorded 8,396 nautical miles travelled
• Identified 1,840 objects
• Verified 2,784 square nautical miles of ocean coverage

This equates to an average of 22 tracked objects per day, covering an area more than four times the size of the Australian Capital Territory.

The trial results demonstrated exceptional reliability and clear operational value in a complex and environmentally sensitive setting.

Industry Leadership in Safety and Stewardship

Angus Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Riverside Marine, commented:

Our research vessels operate in highly sensitive marine environments which require no compromise in safety awareness from crew onboard. Our partnership with Greenroom Robotics reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and innovation through using the latest AI technology to minimise safety risk for all personnel onboard as well as marine wildlife.

It is a powerful tool to monitor the marine environment in real time providing useful alerts to the crew on the bridge.

With Lookout+, we’re not only improving safety for our crew and vessels but also acting as responsible ocean stewards, protecting the marine environments we work in.

Harry Hubbert, Chief Operating Officer of Greenroom Robotics, added:

Traditionally, a human lookout working in isolation can only view about a 15-degree section of ocean and only during daylight hours. Optical and heat-sensing cameras provide 360-degree awareness, operating 24/7.

Lookout+ delivers unparalleled levels of situational awareness at sea, playing a critical role in preventing vessel collisions and helping to safeguard marine life and crew safety.

Supporting National Hydrographic Safety

The hydrographic survey was carried out under the Hydro Scheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP). The Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) designs and manages HIPP activities using a risk-based approach, focused on improving navigation safety and reducing environmental risk.

Riverside Guardian improving safety with Greenroom Robotics’ optical AI, Lookout+.

About the Riverside Oceanic

Riverside Oceanic is a subsidiary of the Riverside Marine Group, delivering high-quality marine services to the Marine Science, Defence, Oil & Gas and Hydrography sectors. Founded in 1926, Riverside Marine has grown into a national operator managing more than 50 vessels, backed by a 100-year legacy of safety, quality and operational excellence.