When you think of the term 'autonomous submarine', the very first company or manufacturer that springs to mind is unlikely to be Boeing for most laypeople, because Boeing is most closely associated with the kinds of craft that fly high above the earth rather than deep below the surface of the water.
However, Boeing has actually been in the business of developing submarines for well over half a century, and all of its accumulated technological and design expertise can be seen in its brand new autonomous submarine, the Echo Voyager. This submarine is capable of operating autonomously for months at a time, and is capable of gathering data autonomously.
What's great about this autonomous submarine is that, in addition to its military capabilities, it could also be very useful in gathering underwater data for scientific purposes.
Unmanned Undersea Vehicles
The Echo Voyager Autonomous Submarine Can Operate For Months At a Time
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles - Boeing's Echo Voyager marks the growing trend in using autonomous vehicles for deep-sea exploration and data-gathering, presenting opportunities in various industries such as marine, oil and gas, and science.
2. Long-term Autonomy - Echo Voyager's months-long autonomy capabilities present an opportunity for the advancement of long-endurance robotic systems in industries such as defense, oceanography, and environmental monitoring.
3. Integrated Sensor Systems - The Echo Voyager's diverse set of sensors highlights the trend towards developing comprehensive integrated sensor systems that enable multiple capabilities in industries such as marine, aquaculture, and resource management.
Industry Implications
1. Marine - The Echo Voyager's capabilities for underwater exploration and data-gathering create opportunities in marine industries such as shipping, offshore construction, and ocean research.
2. Oil and Gas - Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) like the Echo Voyager are transforming offshore exploration and maintenance in the oil and gas industry, making operations more efficient and cost-effective.
3. Science - The Echo Voyager's data-gathering capabilities create opportunities in scientific research industries, including oceanography, marine biology, and climate science.