Greenroom Robotics joins Austal in autonomy trial

Western Australian-based Greenroom Robotics Pty Ltd has joined shipbuilder Austal’s Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial, underway for Trusted Autonomous Systems and the Royal Australian Navy.

Greenroom Robotics will integrate their Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) control software, known as GAMA, into Sentinel – pictured, a decommissioned Armidale-class Patrol Boat.

The integration will allow autonomous navigation, remote pilotage and control, mission planning and operations.

Austal has been a pioneer of autonomous vessels, building the US Navy’s largest autonomous craft – the 337-foot USNS Apalachicola.

That vessel built on the highly automated hull, mechanical and electrical systems already installed on the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport ships, which are built in Mobile, Alabama for the US Navy.

For that vessel the Austal USA team partnered with L3Harris and General Dynamics Mission Systems, adding automated maintenance, health monitoring, and mission readiness.

Austal Australia’s Chief Technology Officer Glenn Callow said Greenroom Robotics brought a proven and tested autonomous technology that will facilitate risk reduction activities, explore fleet optimisation objectives, and enable collaborative learning opportunities.

“We’re delighted to welcome Greenroom Robotics to the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial and look forward to GAMA integrating seamlessly with the vessel’s command and control systems, including Austal’s proven MARINELINK technology.

“GAMA’s specifications and capabilities align perfectly with the objectives of the trial which includes a number of risk reduction activities, fleet optimisation and learnings objectives.”

Greenroom Robotics Chief Technology Officer Harry Hubbert said “GAMA is an effective autonomous maritime capability from an Australian partner, offering innovation, adaptability, and efficiency.”

Further reading:
Austal delivers US Navy’s largest autonomous ship

Picture: Austal