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Western Australia-based shipbuilder Austal and autonomous systems innovator Greenroom Robotics have announced a strategic commercial partnership following the successful completion of the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial for the Royal Australian Navy.
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The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between Austal Australia and Greenroom Robotics will see the companies collaborate further on developing watercraft-based products, services and technologies that may reduce crewing, increase safety, and enable remote and autonomous operation of vessels designed and constructed by Austal Australia.
Austal Australia chief technology officer Dr Glenn Callow said the agreement reflects both companies’ growing capabilities and demonstrated commitment to developing industry-leading remote and autonomous technologies, aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 objectives.
“The Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT) highlighted Austal and Greenroom Robotics’ respective expertise in naval platform integration, and navigation and situational awareness systems technology to demonstrate a reliable, remote and autonomous-capable vessel,” Callow said.
The SPA builds on the highly successful working relationship developed between Austal Australia and Greenroom Robotics during PBAT that saw both platform and navigation autonomy solutions developed for a decommissioned Armidale Class patrol boat.
Callow said, “This agreement enables Austal and Greenroom Robotics to continue working together, build upon the valuable lessons learned from PBAT and develop practical remote and autonomous solutions that may be applied to any watercraft designed or built by Austal.”
Greenroom Robotics chief technology officer Harry Hubbert explained that both teams were looking forward to further developing systems that were tested and proven during the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial and may be considered for future optionally crewed naval vessel programs.
Hubert said, “PBAT allowed us to install, test and operate our Greenroom Robotics Advanced Maritime Autonomy software, to successfully navigate the decommissioned Armidale Class patrol boat, Sentinel, in a series of remote and autonomous tests off the coast of Western Australia.
“We’re excited to be continuing our close collaboration with Austal to further develop fully integrated remote and autonomous technologies and explore new opportunities for optionally crewed vessels that ultimately may contribute to meeting AUKUS Pillar 2 objectives.”
