Transforming Naval Escort Operations
To ensure safe passage, high-value assets such as Navy aircraft carriers require escorts when entering or exiting crowded harbors. The Perception Autonomy for Vessel Escorts (PAVE) system from Charles River Analytics automates the process to reduce the number of people required and increase the speed for each mission.
Innovative Contract Funding
The company has secured a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command worth up to $1.8 million.
Advancements Over Existing Technology
While PAVE is not the first of its kind, it addresses limitations of current perception software for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), particularly in tracking small vehicles in high-speed and crowded environments. “Current software struggles with precisely tracking small and fast-moving vehicles, especially in bustling harbors,” says a representative from Charles River Analytics.
Building on Existing Technologies
PAVE builds upon Awarion®, Charles River Analytics’ AI-powered autonomous lookout system that complements human watchstanders and marine radar systems on the open seas. The technology is designed to adapt to crowded harbor scenarios.
Ross Eaton, Principal Scientist at Charles River, mentions, ‘Awarion detects, analyzes, and reports on marine objects, but we aim to optimize it for busier areas.’ PAVE enhances understanding of detected objects, allowing predictions about other vessels’ movements, leading to timely alerts for the necessary personnel.
Challenges of Humanlike Perception
In busy harbors with numerous signals, achieving humanlike perception is complex. Phase II aims to supply a broader set of harbor-specific data to enhance PAVE’s effectiveness in detecting and classifying various harbor objects, from piers to buildings.
24/7 Object Detection and Response
PAVE utilizes electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) detection technologies for day and night visibility. The goal is to create a unified view of the harbor, issuing warnings for any objects deserving of closer inspection. According to Eaton, ‘This coordinated approach enhances efficiency.’
Future Benefits for Security Forces
The PAVE-enabled camera is anticipated to significantly impact the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF), as they continue to enhance their uncrewed escort capabilities.
Growing Interest in AI Innovations from the Navy
With significant interest from the US Navy and private sectors, there is considerable excitement surrounding the commercialization potential of PAVE, particularly for smaller USV platforms designed for various harbor operations.
