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    1. Subsea

    Modus hybrid AUV passes docking test

    Feb. 17, 2022
    In a world’s first, Modus has completed the autonomous docking of a hybrid AUV to an Equinor subsea docking station.
    (Courtesy Modus)
    The hybrid AUV.
    The hybrid AUV.

    Offshore staff

    DARLINGTON, UK – In a world’s first, Modus has completed the autonomous docking of a hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) to an Equinor subsea docking station (SDS).

    This is part of an Equinor-funded test scope in northeast England.

    The HAUV system, based on a Saab Sabertooth AUV, successfully docked to the SDS without any operator intervention.

    (Courtesy Modus Autonomy)
    The HAUV autonomously located an SDS signal allowing the vehicle to latch, permitting power and data transfer subsea.
    The HAUV autonomously located an SDS signal allowing the vehicle to latch, permitting power and data transfer subsea.

    The entire operation was monitored live from the Modus Command and Control Centre at its headquarters in Darlington, using a secure data network and free space optics at the test site.

    Graeme Jaques, sales manager, said: “This is one of the last technology enablers to be proven allowing the use of resident subsea drones to become a reality across the sector. Modus has positioned itself at the forefront of subsea technology and innovation with a vision to offer full autonomous solutions at net zero.”

    Representatives from Equinor’s technology and drone implementation team were present to witness this milestone.

    (Courtesy Modus)
    The Modus Command and Control Centre allows operators to remotely pilot the HAUV and upload and initiate fully autonomous missions.
    The Modus Command and Control Centre allows operators to remotely pilot the HAUV and upload and initiate fully autonomous missions.

    02/17/2022