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Perth-based, veteran-owned Greenroom Robotics has announced a partnership with Western Australia-based shipbuilder Austal to support the development of an autonomous patrol boat capability, through a Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT).
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As part of the PBAT program, Greenroom Robotics will demonstrate its advanced maritime autonomy capabilities with GAMA (Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy), a state-of-the-art autonomous surface vessel (ASV) control software package.
With the integration of the company’s GAMA capability into Sentinel, a decommissioned Armidale Class patrol boat, the vessel will become outfitted with modern autonomous navigation, remote pilotage and control, as well as advanced mission planning and operational capabilities.
Harry Hubert, chief technology officer of Greenroom Robotics, welcomed this milestone achievement for the company, saying, “GAMA is an effective autonomous maritime capability from an Australian partner, offering innovation, adaptability, and efficiency. We’re thrilled to be working with Austal on the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial and looking forward to demonstrating our locally developed technology on Sentinel.”
Greenroom will leverage Austal Australia’s extensive experience and pedigree as a naval shipbuilder both at home and across the globe, with the collaboration providing the defence SME the opportunity to share and enhance the companies maritime innovation.
Glenn Callow, chief technology officer at Austal Australia, welcomed the exciting collaboration with Greenroom and highlighted the importance of the PBAT program to the future of the Navy’s operational capabilities, saying, “We’re delighted to welcome Greenroom Robotics to the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial and look forward to GAMA integrating seamlessly with the vessel’s command and control systems, including Austal’s proven MARINELINK technology.
“AMA’s specifications and capabilities align perfectly with the objectives of the trial which includes a number of risk reduction activities, fleet optimisation, and learnings objectives,” Callow added.
The Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial is a joint effort among Austal, Trusted Autonomous Systems, and the Royal Australian Navy’s Warfare Innovation Navy (WIN) branch, seeking to integrate robotic, automated, and autonomous features into the Royal Australian Navy’s patrol boats.
This trial serves as a prototype to showcase the potential for optionally manned or fully autonomous operations within the Royal Australian Navy. Additionally, it also delves into the legal and regulatory aspects necessary for the operation of autonomous vessels in maritime environments.
