The University of Plymouth is stepping up its marine autonomy game, and Robosys is powering the charge. The university has secured a Royal Navy contract to deploy a C-Enduro USV named Bauza for hydrographic and oceanographic surveying—and Robosys’ VOYAGER AI Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) will be at the helm.
This isn’t just about plugging in software. It’s about enabling over-the-horizon operations with a level of intelligence, efficiency, and safety that could redefine unmanned surveying. VOYAGER AI brings mission planning, situational awareness (with radar, AIS, and ENC S57 chart overlays), and advanced autopilot controls—including collision avoidance, obstacle detection, and anti-grounding—to the table. The system’s ability to integrate seamlessly with the university’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC) means human oversight remains sharp, even as the USV ventures farther from shore.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Robosys’ new USV Remote Control Waistpack will extend Bauza’s reach. This wireless remote control system allows operators to take the helm from any local mothercraft or shoreside location, seamlessly switching between autonomous and remote control modes. It’s a flexibility that could be a game-changer for survey operations in challenging conditions.
For the University of Plymouth, this isn’t just about adding another tool to the kit. Professor Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean of Science and Engineering, frames it as a critical step in advancing marine autonomy—a technology central to the UK’s defense and resilience. With Plymouth recently named the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, the university is positioning itself as a hub for innovation. Fogwill highlights VOYAGER AI’s reliability and Robosys’ ongoing development as key to evolving and enhancing their marine autonomy fleet.
Adita Nawab, Robosys Automation’s CEO, underscores the significance of this partnership. VOYAGER AI isn’t just another autonomy solution—it’s a globally proven system delivering advanced navigation, CADA, and decision aid solutions at IMO Degree 4 Maritime Autonomy. This integration into the C-Enduro USV is a testament to its capabilities and a step forward in demonstrating how AI can drive maritime operations.
The integration is set for Q3 2025, and the implications stretch beyond surveying. This collaboration could accelerate the adoption of autonomous systems in defense, environmental monitoring, and offshore industries. As marine autonomy becomes more sophisticated, the lines between human and machine decision-making will blur further. The University of Plymouth and Robosys are at the forefront of that evolution, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in unmanned maritime operations.