Sea Machines installs AI system on Coast Guard cutter

(BOSTON) — Sea Machines Robotics, an industry leader in pioneering maritime autonomy and perception systems, has installed its new AI-ris computer vision product on board a U.S. Coast Guard 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter ahead of the vessel’s upcoming deployment.

AI-ris uses artificial intelligence to identify and track visual targets of interest. This installation was made possible under an ongoing cooperative research and development agreement between Sea Machines Robotics and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center in an effort to evaluate how computer vision systems can be utilized for autonomous navigation, collision avoidance and target detection.

The deployment of AI-ris provides the Coast Guard a new tool for maritime domain awareness and allows Sea Machines to refine its computer vision technology with feedback from the Coast Guard across diverse environmental conditions and operational scenarios.

The collaboration between Sea Machines and the Coast Guard began in 2020 following the Coast Guard Research and Development Center selecting the Sea Machines’ SM300 remote command and autonomy product for its 29-foot research vessel.

“The close collaboration between Sea Machines and the United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center extends deeply into their mission-oriented service,” said Sea Machines CEO Michael G. Johnson. “The USCG is a branch of the armed forces, a law enforcement agency, a regulator, a member of the U.S. intelligence community and a first responder. Sea Machines’ goal is to lead with new technologies that advance on-water operations and support the Coast Guard in the many missions they serve.”

– Sea Machines Robotics

By Rich Miller