UK-based Navtech Radar has partnered with US marine software developer Tocaro Blue to enhance navigation for crewed and autonomous vessels in complex environments. Traditional marine radar excels at long-range detection but struggles with smaller, nearby obstacles. The partnership combines Navtech’s W-band radar systems with Tocaro Blue’s machine-learning software, ProteusCore, to improve situational awareness, even in poor visibility.
Navtech’s radar features a 1,000-meter range and centimetre-level resolution, making it ideal for short-range detection relevant to autonomous surface vessels. Tocaro Blue’s software processes radar data in real-time, allowing for precise object detection and tracking. This integrated system supports decision-making for both human operators and autonomous systems.
Andrew Rains from Tocaro Blue emphasized that this collaboration creates a unique solution for the maritime industry, enhancing environmental comprehension and target tracking accuracy. The joint system aims to serve various marine applications, including autonomous workboats, coastal surveillance, and commercial shipping, addressing the growing need for advanced perception technologies in dynamic maritime settings.
