Teledyne Marine introduces ultra-compact autonomous navigation system
At Ocean Business 2025, Teledyne Marine introduced the Teledyne Compact Navigator, a small yet advanced autonomous navigation system designed for both subsea and surface vehicles. The system has been engineered with a strong focus on minimizing size, weight and power consumption, while still delivering high performance and functionality. This makes it particularly well-suited for smaller platforms, opening up new possibilities for inspection and survey tasks that were previously out of reach for compact vehicles.
The Compact Navigator is available in two versions, rated for depths of 300 metres and 4,000 metres. It was developed using Teledyne Marine’s proprietary technology, drawing on the expertise of its navigation specialists and incorporating feedback from leading ROV and AUV developers.
According to Teledyne Marine, the system delivers high-precision navigation despite its compact dimensions – just 114mm in diameter and 135mm in length – matching the performance of much larger solutions. Its power consumption is under seven watts, helping to extend mission duration by conserving energy. As a lightweight, all-in-one unit with minimal cabling, it integrates easily into existing setups and reduces the overall footprint on board compact vehicles.
The Compact Navigator’s fully autonomous operation eliminates the need for external aiding or operator intervention. It also features comprehensive connectivity, with power, Ethernet, dual triggers and serial connections accessible via a single connector. The advanced phased array DVL technology enhances performance while maintaining the unit’s compact size, allowing it to sit flush with an AUV or ship hull.
GNSS-independent navigation
Designed for versatility, the Compact Navigator supports a wide range of applications, from ROVs and AUVs to shallow-water surface navigation, GNSS-denied environments and dynamic positioning for surface vehicles. The Compact Navigator combines true North-seeking gyrocompass-grade performance with a rich WebUI for integration, operation and troubleshooting. With a factory-calibrated design and battery backup option, it ensures high reliability in demanding environments.
Unlike many traditional surface navigation systems, the Compact Navigator operates independently of GNSS, making it resistant to jamming or signal loss. This breakthrough is particularly crucial for shallow-water navigation, where traditional GNSS-dependent systems can fall short. As autonomous surface vehicles become more prevalent, a robust and independent navigation solution like the Compact Navigator becomes increasingly vital.
“The Compact Navigator represents a significant leap forward in navigation technology,” said Rolf Christensen, head of product management at Teledyne Marine. “Its ultra-compact design, high-accuracy, premium titanium construction and ability to operate in challenging acoustic environments make it the new ‘go-to’ choice for operators requiring reliable, high-performance navigation in both subsea and surface applications.”
