University of Plymouth

The Royal Navy has awarded the University of Plymouth a contract to supply a C-Enduro Unmanned Surface Vessel integrated with Robosys Automation’s VOYAGER AI software, enabling advanced over-the-horizon data-gathering operations. Robosys Automation, a developer of maritime autonomy systems, announced the agreement alongside the University of Plymouth, highlighting that the vessel—named Bauza—will be equipped with the company’s VOYAGER AI Autonomous Navigation System (ANS). The unmanned platform will support hydrographic and oceanographic surveying as well as training missions. According to Robosys, the VOYAGER AI system provides an integrated navigation and control suite, including mission planning, situational awareness tools, radar and AIS overlays, electronic charting, collision avoidance, obstacle avoidance, and anti-grounding safeguards. The system is designed to give operators a seamless interface while maintaining safe and efficient operations across complex maritime environments. The Royal Navy contract establishes the University of Plymouth as a supplier of the C-Enduro USV, with integration of the VOYAGER AI suite scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. Robosys will also provide its recently launched USV Remote Control Waistpack, which enables operators to assume wireless remote control in any weather from either a nearby vessel or shoreside location, seamlessly linked with the university’s Remote Operations Centre. In a statement, Professor Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean of Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth, said: “Marine autonomy is a critical element of the UK’s defence and resilience operations. With Plymouth recently named the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, the University is driving significant advances in the innovative applications of this technology. The VOYAGER system is proven globally as being reliable and robust, and Robosys’ continued development of the platform will deliver multiple benefits as we evolve and enhance our marine autonomy fleet.” Adita Nawab, CEO of Robosys Automation, welcomed the agreement as a milestone for the company. “This is an exciting contract win for Robosys, as our VOYAGER AI software delivers an intuitive, single and integrated navigation and control solution for USVs such as the University of Plymouth’s C-Enduro,” Nawab said. Robosys describes VOYAGER AI as the world’s foremost maritime artificial intelligence software of its kind, offering advanced navigation, control, and decision-aid features. The company says the platform is capable of supporting operations to International Maritime Organization (IMO) Degree 4 Maritime Autonomy, which represents some of the most advanced standards in the field. The University of Plymouth’s contract reflects broader UK efforts to expand research and deployment of maritime autonomy. With Plymouth named the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, the institution is expected to play a central role in developing the country’s unmanned maritime capabilities. The Royal Navy has steadily expanded its experimentation with unmanned systems across surface, subsurface, and aerial domains. The introduction of an AI-integrated C-Enduro adds to this trajectory, supporting both research and operational requirements while strengthening the partnership between academia, industry, and defense. Integration of the Robosys VOYAGER AI system into the University’s C-Enduro USV is expected to be completed later this year. Once operational, the vessel will provide the Royal Navy with enhanced capabilities for autonomous data collection at extended ranges, while offering the University of Plymouth a platform for training and continued innovation in maritime autonomy.

University of Plymouth

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University of Plymouth

Royal Navy awards contract for AI-powered unmanned vessel

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