IIT Madras develops unmanned survey craft for ports, inland waterways

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, have developed a solar-powered unmanned autonomous survey craft for Indian ports and inland waterways. The craft can undertake autonomous hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and provide real-time data transmission over long distance.
 

This system can also be equipped with an echo sounder, GPS System and broadband communication technology, to deliver precise depth measurements.
 

In addition to the echo sounder and GPS system, it is possible to add additional oceanographic payloads (current and velocity measurements), 360-degree camera LiDAR for seamless topography and bathymetry measurements.
 

The craft was recently tested successfully off the Chennai