Asian Surveying & Mapping
Breaking News
HAL to build, market Isro’s SSLV in landmark deal
New Delhi, Jun 20: In a historic move for...
Taiwan developing space capabilities for all-weather imaging
TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is advancing its space...
Honda hails successful test of reusable rocket as it looks to get into the space business
Tokyo — Japan's second-biggest carmaker, Honda, has successfully tested...
China’s space program provides larger platform for broader international cooperation
BEIJING -- Experts from China's manned space program said...
India To Launch $1.5 Billion Joint Earth Mission With NASA In July
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian...
Axiom-4 mission delayed again: ISRO confirms Subhanshu Shukla’s ISS spaceflight won’t launch before 22 June 2025
The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station has...
Mengzhou spacecraft for China’s moon-landing mission passes landmark test flight
China has completed the inaugural test flight of its...
Space application for ITMA Asia + CITME 2026 opens
Shanghai – Space application for the 2026 edition of...
Yanmar, Chia Tai and XAG Empower Thai Agriculture through Innovation
Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand – On...
bitsensing Signs MOU with IKIO Technologies to Advance AI-Based Traffic Monitoring on India’s Expressways, Highways and Municipal Areas
Backed by proven success in South Korea and Europe,...

June 23rd, 2021
iXblue demonstrates future hydrographic capabilities with DriX Unmanned Surface Vessel during IHO 100th anniversary

Saint-Germain-en-Laye (France) – 23/06/2021 –Invited by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to demonstrate the most modern hydro-oceanographic technologies during the celebrations marking the 100 years of existence of the international organization, iXblue demonstrated its DriX Unmanned Surface Vessel, in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco, Dr. Mathias Jonas, IHO Secretary-General, Mr. Laurent Kerléguer, Director General of the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom), and Amb. Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

Identified by the IHO as a pioneer in the transition of the hydrographic industry towards more efficient and environmental-friendly unmanned maritime operations, iXblue presented the new methods and strategies deployed for seabed mapping, as well as how autonomous vehicles can collect data in support of the hydro-oceanographic industry.

“We are proud to be recognized by the IHO as a key player of the hydrographic industry and to be able to represent, with our DriX Unmanned Surface Vehicle, the future of hydrography.” States David Vincentelli, director of the Sea Operations division at iXblue. “It was an honor to be a part of this event celebrating 100 years of IHO’s missions to serve our oceans and to be able to contribute, alongside them, to the transformation and promotion of our industry.”

DriX is an 8m unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed and built in France by iXblue. The USV conducts hydrographic surveys in order to map the oceans, 85% of which remain unknown to this day. Equipped with advanced sensors (radar, lidar, cameras…) and its own artificial intelligence, DriX analyzes its environment, avoids obstacles and carries out its missions autonomously. The USV can autonomously map large areas in a reduced amount of time, contributing to the rapid improvement of the understanding of our planet’s oceans. Lighter than traditional vessels, and particularly hydrodynamic, DriX helps reduce of hydrographic surveys’ environmental footprint. Compared to traditional survey vessels, DriX decreases fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by a factor of 50 and reduces radiated noise for greater respect of marine wildlife.

Since its launch in 2017, DriX has been met with numerous successes around the world, including being selected by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create the next generation ocean exploration system. In France, DriX has been tested by the French Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOM) via the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) as part of an armament program aimed at renewing its capabilities in 2025.

 

About iXblue

iXblue is a global high-tech company specializing in the design and manufacturing of advanced maritime autonomy, navigation and photonics technologies. Leveraging cutting-edge expertise in the fields of shipbuilding and robotics, iXblue designs autonomous maritime platforms that are increasingly efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. With complete control over its value chain thanks to the vertical integration of its technologies, iXblue also develops innovative systems and solutions for inertial navigation, subsea positioning and subsea imagery. As a leader in its field, iXblue actively participates in consortiums aiming to rethink the future of the maritime industry and to create an industry of excellence for maritime autonomy.  www.ixblue.com