PBAT Sentinel project led by Austal completes sea-trials for RAN

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Austal Media Release (Excerpt) – In a noteworthy development within the Australian maritime sector, the collaborative Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT) project has successfully completed Sea Acceptance Trials (including Endurance Trials) of the remote and autonomously operated vessel, Sentinel.

The trials, conducted by Austal Australia, consisted of a series of remote and autonomous navigation events conducted off the Western Australian coastline during March and April 2024; utilising Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) software to reliably navigate the de-commissioned Armidale-class Patrol Boat. Throughout the trials, a limited number of project team members, observers and a crew from International Maritime Services (IMS) were on board, ensuring a swift response in case of any unforeseen deviations or necessary manual interventions.

Funded by the Commonwealth of Australia, PBAT is a collaboration between Austal Australia, Greenroom Robotics, Trusted Autonomous Systems and the Royal Australian Navy Warfare Innovation Navy (WIN) Branch to establish robotic, automated and autonomous elements on a former Navy patrol boat to provide a proof-of-concept demonstrator, for optionally crewed or autonomous operations. The trial has also explored the legal, regulatory pathways and requirements of operating an autonomous vessel.

Austal – Full Media Release

Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial – Video YouTube

TAS feature in The Australian – Helping the drone war balance autonomy and in-flight ethics

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Special Report: Helping the drone war balance autonomy and in-flight ethics.

TAS hold fourth Symposium

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TAS held our fourth Symposium 27 March in Brisbane with engagement and participation with a range of interesting speakers and networking among diverse attendees. We were joined on video message (sitting-week) by Minister Hon. Pat Conroy, whose portfolio includes Defence Industry, in-person by Queensland Minister, Hon. Leanne Linard MP whose portfolio includes Science & Industry. This is demonstrative of the ongoing support TAS have received from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Defence Australia services (Navy, Army and Air Force) and Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure (via Defence Jobs Queensland) and Department of Environment, Science and Innovation ( via Advance Queensland).

Thanks to all presenters and attendees for their contributions and support to TAS over time and we look forward to future opportunities for engagement in supporting Defence, defence industry and research collaboration.