Group 25: AI Maritime Maneuvering

This project is sponsored by:

Universities in Indiana will compete in an artificial intelligence maritime maneuvering robotic challenge. The challenge is to utilize machine learning to give autonomous maneuvering capabilities to an existing LPV (Low Profile Vessel) for multiple waterborne operations. Teams will integrate sensors, motor controls, and machine-learning algorithms for autonomous maneuvering. The challenge is hosted by Trine University and the US Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane. The purpose of making an LPV autonomous is to imitate combating drug trafficking into the United States through waterborne routes. Participating in this challenge will provide a solid foundation for future research into autonomous maritime navigation. Through the trial and error of testing different sensing methods, sensor communication techniques, and path planning techniques, a result that combines the best of all aspects will be implemented and submitted to compete. Trine University and the US Naval Surface Warfare Center will be able to use the result of the best-performing LPV to conduct more research into improving and enhancing the capabilities of the LPV or applying that research to their efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking by sea, thus increasing the safety of U.S. citizens.

Project Details

Problem Statement

The development of this vessel is broken down into subsystems that are integrated together. The primary application of this research is for defense and homeland security, protecting the United States coasts from potential threats such as drug trafficking.

Project Presentation Video

Project Demonstration Video

This project is sponsored by:

Universities in Indiana will compete in an artificial intelligence maritime maneuvering robotic challenge. The challenge is to utilize machine learning to give autonomous maneuvering capabilities to an existing LPV (Low Profile Vessel) for multiple waterborne operations. Teams will integrate sensors, motor controls, and machine-learning algorithms for autonomous maneuvering. The challenge is hosted by Trine University and the US Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane. The purpose of making an LPV autonomous is to imitate combating drug trafficking into the United States through waterborne routes. Participating in this challenge will provide a solid foundation for future research into autonomous maritime navigation. Through the trial and error of testing different sensing methods, sensor communication techniques, and path planning techniques, a result that combines the best of all aspects will be implemented and submitted to compete. Trine University and the US Naval Surface Warfare Center will be able to use the result of the best-performing LPV to conduct more research into improving and enhancing the capabilities of the LPV or applying that research to their efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking by sea, thus increasing the safety of U.S. citizens.

Semester of Project: 

Spring 2025

Team Photo: 

Team Poster: 

Problem Statement/Summary: 

The development of this vessel is broken down into subsystems that are integrated together. The primary application of this research is for defense and homeland security, protecting the United States coasts from potential threats such as drug trafficking.

Project Department: 

SOET

Project Presentation Video Embed Code: 

Project Sponsor Website: 

https://www.trine.edu/innovation-one/aimm/index.aspx

Project Sponsor: 

soet

Project Demo Video Embed Code: 

Team Contact: 

thoma995@purdue.edu