Oceaneering Freedom AUV successfully completes challenging demonstration
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Oceaneering Freedom AUV successfully completes challenging demonstration

Oceaneering International has announced that its Subsea Robotics segment recently completed a successful one-week autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) demonstration for the U.S. Navy and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) at Oceaneering’s subsea autonomy testing facility in Norway.

During the test week, Oceaneering showcased its full range of capabilities in designing, engineering, operating and maintaining the Freedom AUV. The Freedom AUV was selected to evaluate the platform’s capabilities for potential future development of a large displacement unmanned undersea vehicle (LDUUV) prototype. The demonstration included several days of at-sea testing where Oceaneering successfully showcased many of the autonomous features of the Freedom AUV, such as undocking, docking, obstacle avoidance, precision payload placement, surveying and transit.

Power of innovation

Peter Buchanan, senior director for Oceaneering’s Subsea Robotics segment, stated: “It has been an extraordinary experience spending this week with the U.S. Navy and DIU showcasing the exceptional capabilities of our Freedom AUV unit. Our collaborative sessions have been instrumental in highlighting the unit’s proven capabilities, efficient data recovery, amazing vehicle control and autonomy, precise mission planning and effective troubleshooting strategies.”

He added: “Despite the unpredictable weather conditions, we maximized our time and successfully displayed Oceaneering’s proficiency in tackling complex challenges, proving our ability to solve the unsolvable. This week has truly exemplified the power of innovation and teamwork in pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable results. Spending the time with an informed and enthusiastic team from the U.S. Navy and DIU has been extremely beneficial to our team.”

The demonstration of Oceaneering’s Freedom AUV represents a significant milestone in the development of US defence capabilities for maritime security and preparedness. In the long run, advanced UUVs will supplement submarine fleets by autonomously sensing and delivering payloads in challenging, dispersed deep-sea environments. These events serve as critical assessments to understand capability gaps and guide future development priorities.

The demonstration of Oceaneering’s Freedom AUV represents an important milestone in the advancement of U.S. defence capabilities for maritime defence and preparedness. (Image courtesy: Oceaneering International)
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