MATS 2024

5-7th November 2024

MATS 2024 Keynote Speakers announced

The future direction of the UK’s marine research infrastructure and how to succeed in taking on solo global ocean challenges are on the keynote billboard for this year’s tenth Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase (MATS), organiser the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has announced.

The event will run from November 5-7, at NOC’s dockside facilities in Southampton, with the NOC operated research vessel RRS James Cook due to be alongside.

Confirmed keynote speakers include NOC chief executive Dr John Siddorn, who will outline his vision for NOC, after taking over the reins earlier this year.

He is joined by Dr Katherine Hill, Lead Scientist on NERC’s Future Marine Research Infrastructure (FMRI) programme, who will focus on work done so far exploring marine science aspirations for 2040, to guide future investment in the UK’s Marine Research Infrastructure.

They will be joined by Conrad Humphreys, who will bring his unique inspirational insight as British yachtsman, business owner, adventurer and explorer, including being the youngest entrant in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race (now Volvo Ocean Race) and sailing solo in the Vendée Globe.

For access to the full press release click here

MATS 2024 Registration is open

We are pleased to announce that registration for MATS 2024 is now open.

Full event tickets include: attendance at conference sessions, refreshments, lunches and participation in the two evening socials.

All for £215.00 per person. (Please note a registration is not confirmed until payment has ben received).

MATS 2024 Programme

Hot off the press - after lots of deliberation the MATS 2024 Steering Committee have agreed the line up for this year's event.

To view please Click Here

Start Up and Small Company Innovation Showcase

For MATS 2024 we are introducing a new opportunity for start ups and small companies to produce a short maximum 1.5-minute video, discussing: their companies, innovation they are developing and the challenges they are facing.

The videos will be shown on small screens in the exhibition space enabling delegates and exhibitors alike to select and view the content.

Spaces will be limited. If you are interested in taking part in this new initiative please submit your expression of interest to Ian Folger using https://noc-events.co.uk/form/start-up

Post event the videos will be made available on the MATS 2024 website.

Themes 2024

2024 has been a great year for abstract submissions, the review committee have had a huge task of reviewing them all and creating what we hope will be an interesting and engaging programme.

Theme 1 - The Blue Economy, Sustainability and Future Marine Research Infrastructure

Discover how innovative organisations are implementing sustainable practices into their current and future operations. This theme explores how Net Zero initiatives enable sustainability and how Marine Autonomous Systems drive this forward. For this theme, we are looking at presentations that demonstrate innovative ways to embrace and develop the way forward.

Theme 2 - Robotics and Remote Data Collection

We invite presentations from end-users of marine technology, focusing on both current and aspirational data-gathering applications of MAS. Aiming to explore interactions with the environment, subsea infrastructure, and how MAS can be utilised to meet end-user requirements. We are also welcoming presentations showcasing the success of implementing marine technology with evidence of improved service, reduced carbon emissions, and increased data quality and quantity.

Theme 3 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in the Maritime World

This theme will explore the latest advancements and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in MAS and marine data analysis. AI and ML are increasingly being used to improve the performance, efficiency, and usability of MAS, including in navigation, perception, environmental monitoring, and image analysis. While there are many benefits to integrating AI into MAS, there are also many challenges.

How ‘real’ is AI? Is actual decision-making happening now vs. pattern recognition (ML)? What advances are being made towards true AI? How much trust can we put in these technologies? How relevant are they to end-user applications and real-world contexts?

Presentations are sought on a range of topics including autonomous navigation, planning, data analysis and annotation to provide an insight into the latest trends and emerging technologies in marine autonomy, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Theme 4 - Autonomous Platforms: the Next Generation and Supporting Technology

We will be putting a spotlight on the next 12 months of autonomous platform development. Presentations are sought that include, but are not limited to, sensing technologies, end-to-end systems, situational awareness, navigation, networking, collaboration and cooperation, residency, launch and recovery and novel vehicles including a forward look to future vehicle technologies. We are also encouraging presentations examining the roles of software, cyber technologies and digital twins in operations.

This session will demonstrate how step changes in MAS technology deliver improved performance through real examples of field operation, whether with a single platform or a fleet of platforms.

Exhibiting at MATS 2024

Exhibit spaces for MATS 2024 are now open. To view the floor plan and select your stand click here, (view this in 2D and click the number 1 in the bottom left corner to view stand numbers). Yellow stands have already been allocated.

Exhibit Package

This package entitles the exhibitor to a display 2m x 1m space located within the refreshment area of the event. The space includes an exhibition table, chair and access to power.

Your company logo will appear on the event details, as a live link on the MATS 2024 website and form part of the exhibitor promotions on social media.

Also included is the cost of one three-day delegate ticket attendance at the conference. Full catering is included.

click here to register for your MATS 2024 Exhibitor Package £1150.00 (inc VAT)