Autonomous robot to neutralise underwater mines from RE2 Robotics

RE2 Robotics has been awarded a $9.5m government contract to develop an autonomous underwater mine removal device.

RE2 Robotics, is a Pittsburgh-based developer of intelligent mobile robotic systems. The company has just been awarded a $9.5m contract by theOffice of Naval Research. The goal is to develop a robotic underwater system for autonomous neutralisation of underwater mines and explosive devices for the US Navy.

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The programme, called Maritime Mine Neutralisation System (M2NS), will use a robotic system to place and attach neutralisation devices to underwater mines and water-borne improvised explosive devices(WBIEDs). All this is to ensure that humans do not do this dangerous work.

System M2NS will consist of a set of arms RE2 Sapien Sea Class and a remotely operated ROV. M2NS will also use computer vision software RE2 Detectwhich aims to locate mines. The Intellect autonomous software, on the other hand, allows for precise placement of neutralisation devices.

In addition, the array of new sensors used provides the M2NS with situational awareness and autonomy to help navigate to great depths. Because this allows the system to know better what is happening and react accordingly.

The RE2 Sapien Sea Class robotic arms were originally designed and developed for the Office of Naval Research. They feature a compact, robust, electromechanical design and human-like dexterity. They also have neutral buoyancy. The arms, thanks to their design, enable very precise manipulation and deployment of objects.

Improving safety

Detecting and neutralising WBIEDs and underwater explosives is a critically dangerous task for divers. our mission is to improve personnel safety. M2NS will enable the Navy to find and autonomously neutralise targets in deep ocean waters. In turn, experienced sapper divers will oversee the entire process from afar. – – said Jorgen Pedersen, President and CEO of RE2 Robotics.

The M2NS capabilities allow the system to be used in complex offshore infrastructure and maintenance applications in the oil and gas and renewable wind energy industries. The system can be used to inspect drilling pile welds, vessels and FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) systems, mooring inspection and measurement, and valve inspection and manipulation.