CaliToday (26/8/2025): The Royal Navy has awarded the University of Plymouth a contract to supply a C-Enduro uncrewed surface vessel (USV) integrated with VOYAGER AI software from Robosys Automation, paving the way for advanced, long-range autonomous data-gathering missions.
Robosys Automation, a leading developer of maritime autonomous systems, announced the agreement alongside the University of Plymouth. The vessel, named Bauza, will be equipped with the company's state-of-the-art VOYAGER AI Autonomous Navigation System (ANS). This uncrewed platform is set to support critical hydrographic and oceanographic surveys as well as advanced training missions for naval personnel and researchers.
According to Robosys, the VOYAGER AI system provides a fully integrated navigation and control suite. Its capabilities include mission planning, comprehensive situational awareness tools, radar and AIS overlays, electronic charting, and sophisticated algorithms for collision and obstacle avoidance, along with robust anti-grounding safeguards. The system is engineered to offer operators a seamless interface while maintaining safe and efficient operations in complex maritime environments.
The Royal Navy contract designates the University of Plymouth as the provider of the C-Enduro USV, with the integration of the VOYAGER AI suite scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. As part of the package, Robosys will also supply its newly launched Remote Control USV Hip Pack. This device allows operators wireless, all-weather remote control from a nearby vessel or a shore-based position, linking seamlessly with the university's Remote Operations Centre.
In a statement, Professor Chris Fogwill, Head of the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth, highlighted the strategic importance of the project. "Maritime autonomy is a critical element of the UK's defence and resilience operations," he said. "With Plymouth recently being named the National Centre for Maritime Autonomy, the university is driving significant advances in the innovative applications of this technology. The VOYAGER system has been proven globally to be reliable and robust, and Robosys's continued development of the platform will deliver multiple benefits as we develop and enhance our maritime autonomy fleet."
Adita Nawab, CEO of Robosys Automation, welcomed the agreement as a major milestone for the company. "This is a landmark contract win for Robosys, as our VOYAGER AI software provides a single, intuitive, and integrated navigation and control solution for USVs like the University of Plymouth’s C-Enduro," Nawab stated.
Robosys describes VOYAGER AI as a world-leading maritime artificial intelligence software in its class, offering advanced navigation, control, and decision-support features. The company notes that the platform is capable of supporting operations up to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Autonomous Standards Level 4, representing one of the most advanced standards in the field.
The University of Plymouth contract reflects broader UK efforts to expand research and deployment in maritime autonomy. With Plymouth designated as the National Centre for Maritime Autonomy, the institution is poised to play a central role in developing the nation's uncrewed maritime capabilities.
The Royal Navy has been steadily expanding its experimentation with uncrewed systems across the surface, sub-surface, and aerial domains. The introduction of the AI-integrated C-Enduro vessel contributes to this roadmap, supporting both research and operational needs while strengthening the collaborative ties between academia, industry, and defence.
The integration of the Robosys VOYAGER AI system onto the university's C-Enduro USV is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once operational, the vessel will provide the Royal Navy with enhanced autonomous data collection capabilities over extended ranges, while offering the University of Plymouth a platform for training and continued innovation in maritime autonomy.
