A leading company in intelligent mobile manipulation systems has been awarded a US$9.5 million to create and build an underwater robotic system for the autonomous neutralisation of underwater mines for the US Navy. But, in addition to this, the robotic system has a strong tie-in to peacetime work in the oil and gas industry.

RE2 Robotics will build the systemusing its RE2 Sapien family of robotic arms, RE2 Detect computer vision software, and RE2 Intellect autonomy software to enable intelligent mobile manipulation systems that operate in a variety of complex indoor and outdoor environments, according to RE2.

In addition to defence tasks, the human-like capability of the M2NS will allow it to be used for complex offshore infrastructure and maintenance applications in the oil & gas and renewable wind industries. For example, M2NS can be used for weld inspection of rig piles, ships and FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) systems; mooring inspection and measurement; and valve inspection and manipulation.

The navy program, called Maritime Mine Neutralization System (M2NS), will utilise the RE2 Sapien Sea Class system to precisely place and attach neutralization devices to underwater mines and water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIEDs).

RE2 will serve as the systems integrator for this program. In addition to RE2 Sapien Sea Class, the M2NS will use components, including RE2’s advanced computer vision and autonomy software, RE2 Detect and RE2 Intellect, to enable the precise, autonomous, and clandestine neutralization of a target.

“The detection and neutralization of WBIEDs and other underwater explosives is a critically dangerous task for navy divers.  Consistent with our mission of improving worker safety, the M2NS will enable the navy to find and autonomously neutralize targets in deep ocean waters, while experienced divers supervise from a safe distance,” said Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2 Robotics.”

“The M2NS will use RE2 Detect computer vision software to locate targets underwater, and RE2 Intellect to autonomously and precisely place devices on those targets,” said Dr Amanda Sgroi, director of computer vision and autonomy at RE2. “We also will integrate new sensors to provide situational awareness and aid autonomy, allowing the system to potentially navigate to extended depths in the ocean.”