Marine Autonomous Sensing Group

An interdisciplinary team focussed on the innovative application of remote and autonomous sensing technologies in the marine and coastal environment
Yellow boat in the sea. Marine Autonomous Sensing Group 

Who we are

We are a collective of academic researchers and technical specialists focussed on the innovation and utilisation of marine autonomous systems comprising of in-situ, mobile and remote sensing platforms. We provide experience and expertise in the development, deployment and management of these systems (aerial, surface and subsurface) in real world scenarios, from catchment through the coast to the deep sea, including exposed nearshore and wider hostile coastal environments. Our group includes academics and researchers with a diverse mix of academic interests across marine science and engineering, including hydrography, oceanography, coastal processes, ecology and conservation through to design engineering and advanced navigation and systems management.
Group of staff from the Marine Autonomous Sensing Group on the beach in yellow jackets 
Black and white image of a boat in Plymouth Sound

Our location

Our group is based at the University of Plymouth with direct access to Plymouth Sound, the UK’s first National Marine Park. The region is rapidly developing a reputation as an international hub for research and industry development and application of marine autonomy through a range of initiatives and collaborations across academia and industry.
For example:
Two men leaning over some equipment with the sea in the background
Smart sound illustration - picture of yellow underwater marine equipment 

Our research

Platform development and operational deployment image. Two close up boats on the sea. 
Platform development and operational deployment
Colourful picture of under the sea bed
Hydrography
Waves breaking on the shoreline
Coastal processes
Colourful image of the sea bed. 
Oceanography
Piece of equipment being dropped into the sea
Ecology
Man sitting infront of a computer screen in the Cyber Ship Lab
Navigation, safety and cyber security
Computer generated image of a shallow wreck
Marine archaeology

Our equipment and facilities

We manage and operate a fleet of marine autonomous sensing platforms and environmental sensing instrumentation and supporting infrastructure.

Orange marine uncrewed surface vessel on the sea
Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs)
Man operating a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) on the snow
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and towed arrays
Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) - drone floying over a beach
Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
Man in the snow with a sensor
Sensors: hydrography, ecology, oceanography
Computer screens with different pictures on.
Remote Control Centers (ROC)
Suport vessels - orange boat in shallow water with 2 men 
Support vessels

Our impact

Through the university’s leading role within the marine autonomy industry, our group has created meaningful impact working with a number of national and international sector stakeholders including:

  • 3H Consulting
  • AutoNaut
  • Cattewater Harbour Commissioners
  • EcoSubs Robotics
  • Honeywell
  • Hydro-Surv Unmanned Survey UK
  • John Grimes Partnership
  • Marine Mapping
  • Marine Tech Systems
  • MGN Marine
  • Norbit Subsea
  • Reef Cubes
  • The Royal Navy
  • Silicon Sensing Systems
  • Sonardyne
  • Sulmara

Our people