Unmanned driverless surface vessel

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has acquired a 5-meter wave-propelled unmanned surface vessel (USV), named AutoNaut, from AutoNaut for research in autonomous systems and oceanographic studies. The upgraded vessel features enhanced power, space, refined wave-foil technology, and an improved launch/recovery system, and will be stationed at NTNU's Trondheim campus for testing autonomous shipping in Trondheimsfjord and recording persistent observations like ADCP, CTD, and meteorological data in areas including the Froan archipelago and off Svalbard. Professor Kanna Rajan highlighted its suitability for long-endurance scientific missions coordinating with satellites, aerial, and underwater vehicles, supported by an open modular system architecture for green-energy operations.