Ocius Technology and UNSW Canberra are partnering on a project to increase the rapid scaling of production of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). Supported by funding from Defence Trailblazer, the project is developing an integrated production and maintenance facility and an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered logistics support framework.
The Ocius Bluebottle USV fleet is powered by renewable energy – utilising solar, wind and wave power, or a combination of energy sources – and offers economic and operational advantages over conventional methods. Ocius USVs can remain at sea for extensive periods of time, limited only by biofouling, and have greater power, payload and performance compared to known competitors.
Ocius is a key supplier to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and this collaborative project will directly support Australia’s security by scaling production and supporting a capable and resilient sovereign supply chain. The first stage of the project is to design a flexible workspace layout to create a dynamic manufacturing environment.
“This will optimise the manufacture and maintenance of the Bluebottle fleet to adapt to production demand, enabling Ocius to meet growing RAN orders efficiently without compromising quality or timelines,” said Nick Rozenauers, project investigator at Ocius Technology.
The next stage of the project will develop a predictive maintenance model in collaboration with UNSW AI experts, tailored for integrated logistics support.
“We will build, test and refine the models using data about past maintenance schedules and tasks, and apply machine learning techniques from similar vessels where case data is limited,” said Dr Ripon K. Chakrabortty, lead chief investigator and leader of the Decision Support and Analytics Research Group (DSARG) at UNSW Canberra. “The verified model will then be integrated into the logistics support framework.”
The project directly aligns with the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, which sets out the continued acquisition of Ocius USVs for the RAN’s Anti-Submarine Warfare and its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. It also addresses several of the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs), supporting sovereign capabilities and continuous naval sustainment.
“This project will enable Ocius to deliver reliable, mission-ready Bluebottle USVs for the RAN’s operations to enable persistent maritime surveillance,” said Mr Rozenauers.
Main image: Ocius Bluebottle USV fleet.
About Ocius Technology: Australian autonomous uncrewed vessel developer Ocius Technology has over 20 years’ experience developing, manufacturing, and commercialising patented marine technology.
Contact Information: For media inquiries, please contact Nick Rozenauers, nick.rozenauers@ocius.com.au
