Funded projects

A UKRI Infrastructure Fund Preliminary Activity, this programme is a proof-of-concept of the ability for sensor innovation to be rapidly integrated and mission-tested with national capability autonomous platforms. It will prove that data workflows can keep pace with an accelerated timeline for the development and commissioning of sensor innovation.

Part of the AASI UKRI Infrastructure Fund Preliminary Activity, this is a project to increase the capability of NMEP autonomous platforms by equipping Slocum gliders with enhanced performance LOC sensors for nitrate and phosphate measurements. This project proves the ability to rapidly translate concept improvements to relatively mature LOC sensor systems into deployable autonomous research capabilities.

Part of the AASI UKRI Infrastructure Fund Preliminary Activity, this is a project to increase the capability of NMEP autonomous platforms by advancing the TRL of TA, DIC and TADIC LOC sensors optimised for integration with AUV gliders. This WP proves the ability to rapidly translate concept improvements to relatively mature LOC sensor systems into deployable autonomous research capabilities.

Part of the AASI UKRI Infrastructure Fund Preliminary Activity, this is a project to increase the capability of the NMEP autonomous platforms by advancing the TRL of a miniature, multiparameter sensor that is able to replace multiple larger, more power-hungry sensors currently used with NMEP vehicles. This WP contributes to proving the ability to rapidly translate relatively mature sensors into deployable autonomous research capabilities.

A project to develop AI-enabled tools that need to be in place for the management of the future UKRI-NERC fleet. These tools will support efficient and integrated planning for both crewed and autonomous platforms, increasing data value and carbon savings.

A project to augment UKRI-NERC’s BIO-Carbon science programme by enabling an additional autonomous mission. This mission was a proof-of-concept for the potential of autonomy to both enhance and provide an alternative to ship-based research expeditions for addressing certain science questions.

Lead organisation: National Oceanography Centre (NOC) 

A project to undertake the technical upgrades and MCA certification activities required to bring the PML Pioneer, a 5m UK-manufactured AutoNaut USV, into full operational service and demonstrate that regulatory barriers to scientific use can be overcome.

A follow-on to the FMRI AESOP project to further improve and showcase the contribution of Near Real-Time (NRT) glider data to environmental models.

A proof-of-concept project demonstrating the ability to use shore-launched autonomy for data harvesting from underwater sensor networks, specifically seabed pressure measurements along the UK ocean boundary (OSNAP array).