Impact Subsea’s ISS360HD imaging sonar has been independently evaluated in a joint study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).
The comparison, titled “Comparing Sonar Suitability for AUV Obstacle Avoidance,” was presented at the IEEE AUV Symposium in Boston and examined sonar performance for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operations across a range of underwater conditions.
Sonar Design and Capabilities
The ISS360HD provides a 100-meter range and is depth rated to 6,000 meters, making it suitable for both shallow and deep-water use. The system delivers pitch and roll measurements to 0.2° accuracy, and its small form factor allows integration with a wide range of AUV and ROV platforms. A broadband transducer supports excellent image quality and range performance, while the absence of slip rings removes wear components that could affect long-term reliability.
Independent Comparative Assessment
The study, led by Andrew Motz, Nathan McGuire, and Jeff Kaeli, compared two sonar systems under different operating conditions, including various target types and ranges. Evaluation parameters included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), average target strength, average noise level, overall average intensity, and sensor saturation.
The ISS360HD demonstrated superior performance in all measured categories, with particularly strong results in SNR, an important factor for detecting underwater obstacles at longer ranges and in challenging environments. This performance advantage was attributed to the system’s increased angular resolution, which enables more detailed and accurate imaging of surrounding environments.
Industry Context
Ben Grant, Managing Director of Impact Subsea, said, “With the ISS360HD sonar we were keen to provide high resolution sonar imagery to all classes of underwater ROV and AUV. We are pleased to review the exciting work of MIT and WHOI and their thoughts on the ISS360HD benefits for future AUV integrations.”
The findings have significance for the marine technology industry, where AUVs are increasingly employed for research, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring. The ISS360HD’s advanced imaging and obstacle avoidance capabilities contribute to the safety and reliability of AUV missions while improving operational effectiveness.
The full study has been published with the IEEE under the title “Comparing Sonar Suitability for AUV Obstacle Avoidance” and can be accessed via the QR code provided in the official publication.
