It is an application research in the area of navigation, control, communication and data exchange technologies between an autonomous floating vessel and an aircraft
Project consortium:

• Białystok University of Technology - leader of the consortium
• Foundation for Safety of Navigation and Environment Protection (Ship Handling Research and Training Center)
• Sup4Nav sp. z o.o.
• UpLogic sp. z o.o.

What kind of problem is addressed by the project? 

Our goal is to increase the safety of shipping by improving the scope of recognizing potential threats. In the AVAL project, we accomplish this by carrying out industrial research and development works, the results of which will be applied to the technology of an autonomous sea-going vessel. The main element of the technology is an innovative maritime navigation system that uses - in addition to the navigation devices installed on the ship - data from video observation conducted by an unmanned aerial vehicle.

In order to identify threats, AVAL uses two types of drones: a tethered multirotor and a free-flying airframe. Both drones function automatically - they do not require operator control and can perform autonomous missions.

Who uses the project results? 

As a result of the project, the AVAL technology will be developed, which will be used in the autonomous marine navigation system. AVAL navigation will be installed on sea-going vessels to increase their safety. Our clients will therefore be shipowners and shipyards around the world.