Page 26: of Marine Technology Magazine (March 2011)

26 MTR March 2011 proof- of-concept operations by the US Navy and experimentation on behalf of the early adopters. We are now starting to see a new wave of users leverage the technology to perform routine opera- tions particularly in the commercial oil and gas market sector. As a result, providers face new challenges to enhance platform reliability, refine operational concepts and scale up for increased production rates to meet demand.

Charbonneau, Deep Ocean The dif- ferences between consumer electron- ics and commercial electronics con- tinue to merge and future systems will need to integrate this technology into the commercial instrumentation.

Hybrid systems which operate a teth- ered (ROV) and allow for autonomous operations when required will be needed for new appli- cations.

Anderson, OceanServer Younger decision makers accept and often seek technology-based solutions for survey applications historically done in less automated ways. ROVs and now

AUVs with ever more effective sen- sors, behaviors, ease of use and robustness, are increasingly being incorporated into routine survey operations. Even in the most demanding applications, such as offshore construction and produc- tion hydrography, contractors are expanding or developing complimen- tary uses for automated vehicles.

Manley, Liquid Robotics Declining budgets and increasing costs are a dominant trend in the marine sector, especially for Government agencies.

The costs of operating and maintain- ing traditional maritime infrastruc- ture, in particular ships, will chal- lenge operators and technology providers to come up with new tools and methods to “do more with less.”

A secondary trend is the significant need for scientists, engineers and technicians in the marine sector.

Talented young people do not often consider our industry as a career option but I believe that will change over the coming decade. The next generation entering the field will bring a unique outlook and an appre- ciation for new technology, from cloud computing to nano-technology, that will change our field as surely as the iPod changed music for the aver- age listener.

Heinz, iRobot The future will be more about sensor integration and autonomy. It is also about the data, not just the platform that collects it.

Grant, Saab Seaeye New technology for niche markets will help grow the market. Technology such as hovering hybrid AUVs already used in the defence market can be reconfigured

Donald Rodocker, SeaBotix 2011 will see the release of a new product referred to as the

Containerized Delivery System (CDS). This new system is a deep water rapid response inspection system.

SeaBotix’s LBV