Autonomous Royal Navy vessel takes to the Thames

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The Royal Navy’s Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) underwent trials yesterday on the Thames, displaying its capability against the backdrop of some of London’s most famous landmarks.

(Credit: Royal Navy)

Developed by Portchester-based ASV with funding from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the 32ft unmanned surface vessel (USV) uses the Bladerunner hull shape. It is planned that MAST will be a test platform for a range of autonomous technologies and systems that the Ministry of Defence is exploring.

“This is a chance to take a great leap forward in maritime systems,” said Fleet Robotics Officer Commander Peter Pipkin. “Not to take people out of the loop, but to enhance everything they do, to extend our reach, our look, our timescales, our efficiency using intelligent and manageable robotics at sea.”

(Credit: Royal Navy)

MAST is able to operate autonomously in an unmanned mode, sensing and avoiding other vessels in its vicinity. Avoidance algorithms are designed to comply with internationally mandated collision regulations, but when operating on a busy waterway - such the Thames - a coxswain is on board ready to take control if necessary. Its primary function is surveillance and reconnaissance, and it does not carry weapons.

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