A live demonstration involving remote control of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) located in Dubai from an autonomous control station situated in Adnec, Abu Dhabi is attracting many visitors at the Seatrade ffshore Marine and Work Boat Middle East 2017 show.

UAE manufacturer of specialty marine electronics MAP Marine Technologies (MAP-Tech) had earlier announced the launch of its second generation MAP Pro- Autonomous Conversion Kit, a device and system that can convert any regular boat to an USV. It also promised a never-before live demonstration of this system at Seatrade Offshore Marine & Work Boats Middle East, taking place in Abu Dhabi 25-27 September, and it has delivered on this promise, said a statement.

The USV demonstrations to date have involved the showcasing of autonomous operation, a display of routes and manoeuvres, where the vessel and operator are within the same proximity.

Adnane El Soussi, head of robotics at MAP-Tech, commented: “We will showcase autonomous way-point navigation and remote manual control, as well as relay of sensory data - such as radar and camera feedback and control. What separates us from the usual demos is that we will be operating a vessel that is not in our line of sight, being over 100 km away.”

He added: “This is a more true depiction of USV operations, and a testament to our MAP Pro system’s capabilities.”

The vessel used in the demonstration is a regular recreational 31ft GRP craft, which is outfitted with a MAP Pro device allowing for autonomous control of the vessel. The boat, situated at Dubai Creek, will respond to the operator’s control at Adnec in Abu Dhabi through MAP-Tech’s latest ground control station- the C2Pro.

El Soussi said: “It is a portable command and control unit. While it was primarily designed for USVs, it can be used to control any unmanned vessel whether by land, air, or sea.”

The live demonstration takes place on Exalto Emirates stand (N-20) at the event. Exalto is one of the largest providers of quality marine equipment - carrying over 14,500 different products in their catalogue - and is the master distributor of MAP-Tech products in the region. - TradeArabia News Service