In a noteworthy development within the Australian maritime sector, the collaborative Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT) project has successfully completed Sea Acceptance Trials (including Endurance Trials) of the remote and autonomously operated vessel, Sentinel.
The trials, conducted by Austal Australia, consisted of a series of remote and autonomous navigation events conducted off the Western Australian coastline during March and April 2024; utilising Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) software to reliably navigate the de-commissioned Armidale-class Patrol Boat. Throughout the trials, a limited number of project team members, observers and a crew from International Maritime Services (IMS) were on board, ensuring a swift response in case of any unforeseen deviations or necessary manual interventions.
Funded by the Commonwealth of Australia, PBAT is a collaboration between Austal Australia, Greenroom Robotics, Trusted Autonomous Systems and the Royal Australian Navy Warfare Innovation Navy (WIN) Branch to establish robotic, automated and autonomous elements on a former Navy patrol boat to provide a proof-of-concept demonstrator, for optionally crewed or autonomous operations. The trial has also explored the legal, regulatory pathways and requirements of operating an autonomous vessel.
In 2022, Austal Australia took possession of the decommissioned HMAS Maitland from the Commonwealth of Australia, renamed the vessel ‘Sentinel’ and commenced planning, modification, testing and evaluation of autonomous and remotely operated systems for the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT). At 57 metres LOA, Sentinel is (by a significant extent) the largest vessel operated in Australia to be operated remotely and autonomously.
Sentinel was extensively modified to enable remote and autonomous operations, including modifications to navigation, communications, bilges, CCTV, and electrical systems. Sensors and computer units were also added by Greenroom Robotics to inform and host the Autonomous Control System, GAMA.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the completion of the sea trials marks a significant milestone in the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial, successfully demonstrating the capability of the locally developed autonomous systems and their integration within a full-size, Australian made naval vessel.
The PBAT team comprising Austal, Greenroom Robotics, TAS and Navy WIN Branch have worked exceptionally hard and achieved the objectives of the trial – to demonstrate the autonomous technology successfully within a complex regulatory and operating environment.
“Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential opportunities to work with Navy to further advance the autonomous technology demonstrated during the trial; on projects such as the Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSV), recently announced by the Australian Government as part of the Surface Combatant Fleet Review,” Mr Gregg said.
Greenroom Robotics Chief Technology Officer Harry Hubbert said “PBAT has been a very successful collaborative project between Austal, Greenroom, TASDCRC and the RAN, the insights from all parties has been instrumental in steering us toward success. Together, we’ve harnessed collective expertise to deliver this groundbreaking project, setting the stage for a future brimming with maritime capability. This collaborative effort not only has the potential to enhance current operations and platforms but also paves the way for unprecedented advancements on the horizon.”
TAS Chief Executive Officer Glen Schafer said “Trusted Autonomous Systems are extremely impressed and proud of the achievements of the PBAT project. Autonomous and automated features on a vessel of this size in addition to the regulatory considerations are complex. It is a clear demonstration of the significant innovation possible through investment in sovereign industry”.
Commodore Michael Turner, Navy’s Director General Warfare Innovation Navy said “PBAT stands out not only for its demonstration of autonomous technology and its practical application to operational vessels, but also for the spirit of collaboration that underpinned its success.”
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What with the early-in budget Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark success stories, now this rapid autonomous surface vessel development. Australia seems to be forging ahead in unmanned-autonomous-remote technology.
This is in such contrast with almost inevitable failures in Australia’s MANNED vessel and submarine projects.
The Australian Government should look hard at cancelling more manned “Shipwrecks in the making”. All the Manned projects seem to be 10 years late at 3 times original cost estimates. Manned projects might increasingly be seen as career promotion opportunities for armed forces offices.
The studies of how to safely weaponize autonomous weapons system should be a major study of Five Eye software and computer hardware specialists. Even remotely piloted autonomous systems can be made safer with some men in the loop.
Eg weaponized Predators and Reaper UCAVs have on the whole functioned extremely well in the Mid East and Afghanistan. The public don’t hear about the 1,000s of successful weapon release Ops, only about the rare targeting mistakes.
I very much agree with your general point about the importance of uncrewed systems but Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark are still developmental – particularly the latter. I’m not sure how long it will be before they are operationally useful because Defence won’t tell anyone and have banned the companies from making any comment. Other systems such as Predator B are fully mature and I’m still appalled that AIR 7003 was cancelled for reasons that remain opaque. I think it was because when senior people in RAAF realised it came with British weapons they couldn’t cancel the deal fast enough – but that’s just my theory for which I have only the slimmest indirect justification. Ongoing combat in Ukraine is further evidence of the effectiveness of both armed and surveillance drones.