The SWARMs project goal is to expand the use of underwater and surface vehicles in order to facilitate the conception, planning and execution of maritime and offshore operations and missions.

During the early trials of the SWARMS project, ECA Group deployed its A9 AUV equipped with interferometric side-looking sonar (phase differencing bathymetric sonar) in a shallow water environment (13-20m water depth).

This sonar has increased area coverage by close to 200% over more conventional multibeam echo sounders in shallow water. Repeat pass surveys were conducted, under different headings, to assess the repeatability of the bathymetric and in fine the accuracy.

A mockup target of a chemical pollutant was also deployed and successfully detected by the ECA Group Autonomous Underwater Vehicle AUV A9-E. These detections were handed over to inspection ROVs of other partners in the project for detailed inspection using forward-looking sonar and optical sensors (including stereovision). A large data set was collected in support of the research objectives of the project which include real-time quality assessment of the bathymetric data using a quality factor provided by the sonar manufacturer and map matching for improved navigation and change detection.

The ECA Group is a worldwide player, renowned for its expertise in robotics, automated systems, simulation and industrial processes. Since 1936 it has been developing complete innovative technical solutions for complex missions in hostile or restrictive environments.

Its products are used by a demanding international clientèle requiring the highest levels of safety and efficiency, mainly in the sectors of defence, shipping, aeronautics, simulation, energy and industrial equipment.