Greensea IQ has released an Autonomous Tether Management System for inspection-class ROVs that uses integrated software to handle tether tension, launch, and recovery without manual intervention.
Integrated directly with the company’s ROV autonomy software, the portable unit continuously regulates tether tension to eliminate slack throughout an entire mission and carries out launch and recovery procedures autonomously. This reduction in field supervision allows a single operator, stationed either locally or remotely, to run a tethered system effectively. The release follows four years of development and testing, including a prototype demonstration and evaluation conducted by the U.S. Navy before commercial rollout.
The technology is already active in the field supporting EverClean, Greensea IQ’s autonomous hull cleaning and inspection system.
“ROVs with autonomy software are ready to be deployed in unmanned operations, but managing the tether remains a major operational hurdle. This autonomous tether management system solves that problem,” said Ben Kinnaman, CEO of Greensea IQ. “We can now deploy ROVs from unmanned assets and in unmanned configurations with complete reliability and assurance that managing the tether will not be a limiting factor. EverClean is the immediate beneficiary of this product, and it has already contributed to safer and more efficient operations.”
Developed under an open-architecture framework, the system pairs with Greensea IQ’s Safe C2 system to support over-the-horizon operations, enabling crews to monitor and oversee assignments from remote locations. Greensea IQ will next deploy the unit in support of unmanned mine countermeasures operations. Designed with flexible, portable configurations suited for installation aboard lightweight unmanned surface vessels, the system is positioned to resolve key operational constraints during joint unmanned missions.
