Austal Australia and Greenroom Robotics have unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence system capable of transforming ships into fully autonomous vessels within just five days. This initiative emerges from a partnership established in 2024 between the two companies, both located in Western Australia. The collaboration aims to merge Austal’s extensive experience in defense shipbuilding with Greenroom’s innovative AI software, all in a bid to accelerate the automation processes for future naval and commercial fleets.
The new AI system leverages Greenroom’s proprietary platforms, GAMA and Lookout+, which utilize data collected from onboard cameras and sensors. This technology enables ships to autonomously navigate and avoid potential collisions, thus eliminating the need for human intervention in many scenarios. The integration of this suite with Austal’s MARINELINK Prime digital monitoring and control system facilitates safe, self-steering operations, paving the way for a new era in maritime technology.
In a recent trial conducted with the Royal Australian Navy, the integrated software package successfully executed 148 autonomous collision avoidance maneuvers over an impressive 705-nautical-mile (1,306 kilometers or 811 miles) test route. This demonstration underscores the system’s readiness for larger-scale implementation and its potential to revolutionize maritime operations.
Austal’s CEO Patrick Gregg emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting it merges traditional shipbuilding with cutting-edge technology. “By bringing together Austal’s shipbuilding excellence and Greenroom’s advanced AI and autonomy software, we’re creating the best of both worlds for the future of Australian shipbuilding,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Greenroom co-founder and COO Harry Hubbert commented on the partnership’s implications for the maritime industry. He described the collaboration as a demonstration of how software and shipbuilding can effectively tackle contemporary challenges faced by the maritime sector. “Greenroom Robotics’ advanced maritime autonomy software and AI-powered optical radar reduces crewing requirements and enhances situational awareness,” he said, further asserting that the technology is versatile enough to function on vessels of any size.
In a notable development, Greenroom received license-free export approval in July to provide its AI-enabled autonomous vessel solutions to clients involved in the AUKUS cooperative, which encompasses security collaboration among Australia, the UK, and the US. This approval positions Greenroom to play a significant role in advancing maritime security and autonomy on a global scale.
