Canadian marine robotics specialist Kraken Robotics has recently received a significant order for its revolutionary AquaPix Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) system. The order comes from HII for their cutting-edge REMUS 620 Medium Class Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV). With increasing recognition for its superior capabilities, the Synthetic Aperture Sonar is quickly becoming the preferred tool for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations due to its unparalleled resolution and extensive area coverage rates when compared to conventional side scan sonar.

Valued at $1 million, this order will be completed by 2024. The end users of the REMUS 620 systems, equipped with Kraken’s state-of-the-art MINSAS, are teams led by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). These teams are working diligently to identify areas of deepwater corals and other delicate habitats affected by the devastating Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, in order to carry out vital restoration activities.

Over the past year, Kraken has collaborated with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to successfully integrate and deploy a MINSAS 120 system onto a legacy REMUS 600 vehicle. Through this partnership, the team has conducted high-resolution habitat mapping, which has proven to be highly efficient. By utilizing the Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data obtained through high-resolution mapping, the time and effort required for traditional ROV surveys have been significantly reduced.

Kraken Robotics’ innovative technology is revolutionizing the way deepwater habitats are surveyed and mapped. With its enhanced resolution and extensive area coverage, the AquaPix MINSAS system is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding marine ecosystems and facilitating effective restoration efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS)?
Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) is a highly advanced imaging technology used in underwater surveys. It provides incredibly detailed images and maps by utilizing multiple sonar pings from different locations and combining them to create a synthetic aperture. This results in significantly enhanced resolution and coverage compared to traditional sonar systems.

What are the advantages of using MINSAS in deepwater habitat mapping?
Kraken Robotics’ AquaPix Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) system offers numerous benefits. Its advanced technology provides high-resolution imaging, enabling the accurate identification and mapping of deepwater habitats. Additionally, MINSAS offers superior area coverage rates, increasing efficiency and reducing survey time.

How does the collaboration between Kraken Robotics and NOAA benefit deepwater habitat restoration?
The collaboration between Kraken Robotics and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) has resulted in the successful integration and deployment of MINSAS onto underwater vehicles. By utilizing the high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data captured during mapping, the restoration teams can efficiently identify and assess areas affected by events like oil spills. This streamlined process enables faster and more effective restoration efforts, ensuring the protection of delicate deepwater habitats.