Sensor fusion technology is revolutionizing the way manned vessels are being operated, with the launch of a new generation of Integrated Bridge System (IBS) by Kongsberg Maritime. The new IBS is being presented for the first time at SMM 2018 in Hamburg and is set to improve the operational and safety performance of manned vessels.
Kongsberg Maritime’s autonomous vessels program has contributed significantly to the development of the new IBS, which applies technology developed for autonomous vessels to deliver new levels of situational awareness to bridge crews. The FVD R&D team, working on autonomous vessels such as YARA Birkeland, the world’s first all-electric, zero emissions, and autonomous container ship, has developed an integrated processing and development kit designed to assist Kongsberg Maritime in developing a situational awareness platform through the process of Sensor Fusion. This platform combines traditional navigation sensors such as Radar and Sonar with cameras and lasers.
Sensor Fusion technology informs the autonomy controller of an unmanned ship. Still, Kongsberg Maritime has taken this technology a step further by applying it to its new IBS for crewed vessels, delivering a holistic real-time navigational picture based on precise data from diverse sensors, which introduces a new level of awareness for the bridge crew. This technology enables seamless, user-friendly presentation of vital data and more effective operation of navigation, remote control, advanced maneuvering, automation, energy management, and safety systems.
Kongsberg Maritime is already established as a technology-leading supplier of standardized and customized bridge systems for a wide range of vessels, and the new IBS features several key functions that deliver improved safety, especially in slow-speed situations.
The Benefits of Sensor Fusion Technology
Sensor fusion technology combines the data from various sensors, providing a more comprehensive picture of the environment surrounding a vessel. This technology allows for real-time analysis of information, which is essential for enhancing situational awareness and, ultimately, improving safety. By combining the traditional navigation sensors with cameras and lasers, Sensor Fusion provides a more detailed and accurate view of the surroundings, which makes it easier for the bridge crew to make informed decisions.
The Role of FVD R&D Team in Developing the IBS
FVD’s R&D team played a crucial role in the development of the integrated processing and development kit designed to assist Kongsberg Maritime in developing a situational awareness platform through the process of Sensor Fusion. The team’s work on autonomous vessels such as YARA Birkeland has enabled Kongsberg Maritime to deliver a new generation of IBS for crewed vessels.
How the IBS Enhances Situational Awareness for Bridge Crews
The new IBS delivers a holistic real-time navigational picture based on precise data from diverse sensors. This feature enhances situational awareness for the bridge crew, providing them with a more comprehensive view of the vessel’s surroundings. The result is a seamless, user-friendly presentation of vital data, which enables more effective operation of navigation, remote control, advanced maneuvering, automation, energy management, and safety systems.
Seamless Integration of Vital Data
The Sensor Fusion technology integrated into the new IBS delivers seamless integration of vital data. This technology combines the data from various sensors, providing the bridge crew with a more comprehensive view of the vessel’s surroundings. The result is a user-friendly presentation of data that makes it easier for the bridge crew to make informed decisions.