Five years in, Impact Subsea’s ISS360 Imaging Sonar is still redefining the rules of subsea autonomy. Since its debut in 2020, this compact powerhouse has evolved from a niche innovation into a cornerstone of ROV and AUV operations. The ISS360 isn’t just a sonar—it’s a testament to iterative, user-driven development. Each year has brought a new leap: inductive coupling for reliability, titanium housing for extreme depths, high-definition imaging, open-source integration, and advanced signalling to reduce interference. This isn’t just a product roadmap; it’s a playbook for how tech should evolve in response to real-world demands.
The open-source SDK is a game-changer. By giving developers direct access to the sonar’s capabilities, Impact Subsea has turned the ISS360 into a blank canvas for innovation. AUV manufacturers can now build custom interfaces and autonomy features without waiting for proprietary updates. This approach has already paid off in high-stakes scenarios, from guiding ROVs to recover million-dollar equipment in zero visibility to enabling advanced obstacle avoidance for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s REMUS AUVs.
For teams still running legacy systems, the ISS360 offers a clear upgrade path. It wasn’t designed to just match the performance of older sonars—it was built to outclass them in every metric. Impact Subsea backs this up with professional servicing to maintain seal integrity, O-rings, and calibration, ensuring the ISS360 stays sharp throughout its lifecycle.
The ISS360’s real-world impact speaks for itself. It’s recovered high-value assets, enabled scientific autonomy, and supported critical infrastructure inspections. As Impact Subsea looks ahead to further developments in 2026, one thing is clear: the ISS360 isn’t just keeping pace with the subsea industry—it’s setting it.