Smart Sound Connect Subsurface

As recognized in the UK’s Maritime Technology Roadmap, advanced marine technologies such as marine autonomous systems (MAS) have a role in environmental monitoring, data acquisition, integration with satellite applications, monitoring of renewable energy arrays, surveys, oil and gas exploration, pollution monitoring and fisheries conservation, surveillance, security and many more applications. The University will procure a deployable underwater acoustic network that will provide accurate positioning, robust communications and trustworthy data that is vital for businesses to have the confidence to innovate, invest and develop the new generation of advanced marine technologies and services. This project will ensure that the necessary communication platforms are in place to control/track/co-ordinate subsurface trials and build confidence in systems to drive commercialization of new products, processes and services. By linking to existing mobile and fixed surface communication assets, in configurations that are adaptable and re-deployable, this acoustic network will create a unique proving ground for systems (or systems of systems) to exploit all three domains – aerial/surface and subsurface. The Smart Sound Connect Subsurface project is funded by the ‘Build Back Better Digital Investment Programme’, delivered by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.