Cambridge Pixel’s software solutions enhance the navigational capabilities of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship.
The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), a groundbreaking research vessel, is set to receive a significant enhancement to its navigational capabilities. This includes Cambridge Pixel's advanced radar processing software to support a new SIMRAD radar. The upgrades, undertaken by unmanned vessel experts Submergence Group, also include the latest version of Guardian Autonomy from Marine AI.
The MAS project is focused on developing a vessel capable of traversing the Atlantic Ocean autonomously, devoid of any human intervention, while also supporting scientific research and education. The project was inspired by the iconic journey of the original Mayflower from Plymouth, UK, to the New World in 1620, and was started in 2019 as a collaboration between ProMare, IBM and a variety of industry and academic partners. It relies on cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems such as radar to navigate and make decisions in real-time.
Cambridge Pixel’s technology is pivotal in enhancing the situational awareness and safety of the autonomous ship, enabling it to navigate the high seas with unprecedented precision and reliability. Our partnerships with leading radar manufactures, including Simrad, enable our software to accept and convert proprietary data formats. The radar system upgrade will incorporate Cambridge Pixel’s SPx Server application for advanced target tracking and SPx Fusion Server for the fusion of tracks from the multiple onboard sensors. This helps the MAS detect targets of all sizes, ensuring safe navigation by providing accurate data to Guardian Autonomy, the AI-enabled collision avoidance system from Marine AI.
SPx Server is a highly accurate tracking application, trusted by both the US Navy and British Royal Navy on many of their vessels. SPx Fusion Server combines target observations from multiple radars & sensors (AIS, IFF, ADS-B) into a single stream, using the most reliable information from each. As a leader in radar and sensor processing solutions and with wide experience in supporting Uncrewed and Autonomous Surface Vessels (USVs and ASVs), Cambridge Pixel were the obvious choice to support this project. Cambridge Pixel’s software provides Marine AI with unparalleled control and processing for many radar systems, and it facilitates the seamless integration of safety-critical data for USV operations at sea.
Beyond its autonomous capabilities, the MAS is equipped with an array of sensors and scientific instruments aimed at collecting data on oceanographic and environmental variables for scientific research into climate change, ocean health and marine biodiversity. With expert system integration from Submergence Group, the upgrade will ensure the Mayflower remains poised at the forefront of marine autonomy, providing critical R&D at sea.
"Selecting the right partners to provide technologically advanced and reliable software is vital to Submergence Group in delivering successful vessel upgrades. Cambridge Pixel are the go-to company for radar processing solutions and provide the technical support and expertise needed to overcome any project challenges.”
-Submergence Group’s President, Brett Phaneuf
"We are delighted to be supporting the Mayflower Autonomous Ship on this prestigious and scientifically important programme. Our experience with working on USV projects around the world enables us to provide expert support for our flexible radar and sensor processing solutions.”
- Cambridge Pixel's managing director, David Johnson
