UBAS: Unmaned Bathymetry System

UBAS aims to develop an unmanned seabed monitoring system consisting of an unmanned catamaran-type vessel (USV) equipped with sensors to carry out fully automatic bathymetry, seabed inspection and search for submerged objects in port areas, as well as a remote control station that will allow real-time reception of all the information collected by the on-board sensors and the sending of remote commands to control the vessel. This information can be integrated into other port information systems or other users. Additional use cases include maritime surveillance, pollution detection, water/air quality control, depending on the payloads installed, as well as small-scale logistics transport.
In detail, the system consists of the following elements:

• A 4-metre-long catamaran-type vessel with a double hull, with capabilities in terms of autonomy, energy efficiency and manoeuvrability that allow it to move in confined and shallow areas. Its size will facilitate its transport by road. It will act as a mobile platform for equipment, sensors and a communications node with the control station.
• USV control systems, consisting of the following elements: power management, engine control, mission management, output control, communications, dual communications link and sensor modules necessary for autonomous navigation (GPS, compass, depth sounder, speed log, engine or rudder parameters and cameras to ensure navigation safety.
• Payloads associated with the different monitoring objectives (bathymetry equipment and other sensors).
• Ground control station, consisting of the following elements: communications module, planning and control station, manual control console, payload control station and dual link for communications redundancy.