Planning is well underway for MATS 2021

We are pleased to announce the themes for 2021 will be:

During MATS 2021, our aim is to explore the information needs of users of Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS), review the current technologies available to enable the data gathering for MAS users and explore the methods of taking that data and making it exploitable information for the user need. Presentations may focus on work undertaken or planned to be undertaken in the 12 months since MATS 2020, be a forward look along your organisation's technology roadmap or include information on novel ways of maintaining operations throughout the global challenges of Covid in 2020 /2021.

• Theme 1: Users & Applications -   Through this theme we are seeking presentations from Scientific, Industry, Government and Defence end-users of marine technologies. Presentations should focus on current and aspirational application of MAS, highlighting what the user requirement is. Presentations that set stretching challenges, outlining those challenges, for aspirational applications will be scored highly. We will seek to take a balanced approach between current and aspirational activities to ensure MATS includes forward looking ideas as well as ground-breaking examples of actual activity.

• Theme 2: Generating Information from Data – Generating information that meets end-user needs from the data collected by MAS is the ultimate goal of deploying the system. This theme will explore novel methods of generating information products from MAS gathered data. Presentations should explore (but not be limited to) the utility of Machine Learning and AI, Data Processing, GUIs, augmented realities. Examples of real world information use should be explored 

• Theme 3: Planning & Control - Operation of MAS in the environment is just part of the mission and the work to enable it happens outside of the operational element. This theme is seeking presentations that support the planning and control of MAS, presentations can include but not limited to: Experiences and lessons learned from field trials, the use of Synthetic Environments, Mathematical Modelling, Simulation, Assurance, Safety, Risk and Reliability Management, Command and Control, Remote Operations/Remote Operation Centres, Fleet Management & Maintenance, Collaborative behaviour, Monitoring, Regulation and Legal. Through this theme we’re also encouraging presentations around testing and evaluation centres, sites and infrastructure, that provide the proving grounds for technologies. 

• Theme 4: Data collection –   Sensing technologies are the eyes, ears, nose and touch of the Marine Autonomous System. This theme will focus on those novel, innovative and emerging technologies that enable MAS to collect data for the end-user, through imagery, physical sampling or chemical and biological detection. Presentations should provide real examples of field collected data as well as look to the future of data collection. We are also seeking presentations that cover interaction with the environment and infrastructure.

• Theme 5:  Autonomous platforms and supporting technology – Through this theme, we are seeking presentations that focus on the systems. Through increased intelligence, operations have evolved from single platform to more of a system approach. Operations are no longer limited to one or two vehicles deployed form a ship, but can be run in autonomous fleets and utilising technologies such as digital twins. Presentations are sought that include, but are not limited to end to end systems, navigation, networking, collaboration and cooperation, residency, launch and recovery and novel vehicles including a forward look to future vehicle technologies. We’re also encouraging presentations that look at the roles of cyber technologies and digital twins in operations. Presentations should demonstrate how step changes in MAS technology deliver improved performance through real examples of in field operation, be that with a single platform or a fleet of platforms working to achieve the users goals.

Submit an Abstract now

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is calling for abstract submissions for this year’s Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase (MATS 2021). 

Abstract submission is now open and will close on 14 July 2021 please click here to view information on what we are looking for and how to submit an Abstract 

To watch a video of the 2020 Keynote sessions please click the image below: 

We Thank the following members of the 2021 Delivery Committee for their support 

Aidan Thorn - Chair of Committee NOC

Ian Folger - Deputy Chair of Committee NOC

Charmaine Richardson - Secretariat 

Damian Cook Communications Lead NOC

Matthew Kingsland NOC

Euan Wilson NOC

Sarah Dyer Ocean Infinity 

Ben Goymer Chelsea Technologies

Steven Rice University of Plymouth

Jon Downes University of Southampton

Stewart Radcliffe Thales 

Maria Amoroso Abyssal 

Graham Lester Wight Ocean

News Items and Press Releases 

Press release / News Item 18 February 2021 please click here 

Supported by 

National Oceanography Centre

European Way, Southampton

Hampshire, SO14 3ZH