Delivering innovation and education in marine autonomy

The University is showcasing its expertise, facilities and training opportunities at Oceanology International
CETUS survey work with HydroSurv

Delivering innovation and education in marine autonomy

The University is showcasing its expertise, facilities and training opportunities at Oceanology International
The Â鶹´«Ã½ is part of a city delegation to Oceanology International 2026, the world’s premier biennial ocean technology exhibition, for the global launch of the National Centre for Marine Autonomy. Its academics are also participating in a number of events as part of the Oceanology International programme, and this article was produced for a brochure shared at that event.
The Â鶹´«Ã½ has more than three decades of expertise in the development and application of marine autonomous systems.
Located in Britain’s Ocean City, its waterside campus offers direct access to the Â鶹´«Ã½ Sound National Marine Park. Through its research and facilities, its teaching and partnerships, and the University is underpinning the UK’s marine autonomy revolution, ensuring Â鶹´«Ã½ capitalises on its designation as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
Based on its track record of innovation and excellence, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Professor Richard Davies , is leading a workstream within Team Â鶹´«Ã½ – the collaboration driving the city’s inclusion within the UK Government’s Defence Growth Deal scheme – dedicated to Business, Innovation and Marine Autonomy.

Being recognised as the national centre of excellence for marine autonomy represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for the university and city. Working across existing and new collaborations, we can push forward with ambitious plans to grow a sector that is critical to our nation’s defence and security, and has the potential to benefit the environment, business, health and much more besides.

Richard DaviesProfessor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

World-leading research and first-class facilities

The University’s research in this field is driven through its Centre for Marine Autonomy, Maritime Cyber Security and Technology (CMAST) . A critical mass of academics, technicians, PhD researchers and partnership developers, its brings together disciplines including computer science engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, data visualisation, and maritime navigation. Its work is driven by a clear understanding that technology, people, and processes are all critical in unique surface and underwater environments. 

Advancing systems and technologies in and on our ocean is enabling their increased visibility and use. Marine autonomy is a key part of this development, but it is also critical that they are safe and cyber-secure. CMAST provides that holistic system-of-systems approach.

Kimberly TamDr Kimberly Tam
Associate Professor of Cyber Security and the Marine and Maritime Theme Lead for the Alan Turing Institute

Those working as part of CMAST, and the students and partners engaging with marine autonomy programmes run across the University, have a wide range of facilities at their disposal. Many of these are housed within buildings at the heart of the University’s main Â鶹´«Ã½ campus:
Even more closely connected to the ocean is the University’s Marine Station .
Located on the shoreline of Â鶹´«Ã½ Sound, it is a hub for marine autonomy innovation. It is home to a fleet of research vessels and marine autonomy equipment, including uncrewed surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, Remotely Operated Vehicles and towed arrays, uncrewed aerial vehicles and support vessels. There is also a dedicated Remote Operations Centre, enabling the advanced testing, system integration, and real-world deployment of autonomous technologies for ocean research and environmental monitoring.
The Marine Station offers direct access to Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) , an element of the UK’s leading test range for autonomous marine technology, and an area the University manages through a partnership with Â鶹´«Ã½ Marine Laboratory (PML). Its advanced offshore facilities enable cutting-edge trials and development, bringing together public, private, and academic partners to drive innovation.

Innovative partnerships spanning defence and industry

In addition to its own expertise, the University enjoys partnerships with many of the UK’s foremost marine autonomy innovators, spanning the private and public sector. It has a long-standing connection to the Royal Navy, with the two organisations working together to advance research in marine autonomy, maritime cyber security, floating offshore wind and artificial intelligence. It is also part of a multinational consortium, led by Saab and selected by NATO to lead its Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network project (AUWB-MN), and is working to establish ways to deliver underwater interoperability between the militaries of allied nations.
The University also enjoys partnerships with global companies based in Â鶹´«Ã½ in addition to countless smaller firms based in the city and across the South West. In addition to research and innovation collaborations, many of these companies count significant numbers of Â鶹´«Ã½ graduates among their workforces, a number only set to increase over time with greater awareness of the sector at a regional and national level. It is also playing a lead role in city and regional collaborations, such as the Future Autonomous at Sea Technologies (FAST) Cluster, the Marine Research Â鶹´«Ã½ Alliance, Maritime UK South West, and the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster.

The University has a long track record in using its expertise to support businesses of all shapes and sizes to innovate and grow. A greater focus on marine autonomy and defence is unlocking opportunities across the city and region, and we have an open door to businesses interesting in working with us and making the most of the possibility now coming their way.

Adrian DawsonMr Adrian Dawson
Director of Strategic Project Development

Excellence in marine autonomy education and skills

The facilities and connections to industry are helping to train the future marine autonomy workforce, with the University having more than 2,500 students in marine disciplines and other programmes aligned with industry needs in AI, navigation, and data science. Through their programmes, many postgraduate students can also enrol on an Applied Marine Autonomy module, which focuses on the appropriate use of platforms, covering theory of operation and developing practical skills in autonomous marine data collection through workshops and fieldwork. The module also allows direct interaction with scientific researchers and industry practitioners.
Collaborations with industry have also enabled the University to developed CPD programmes in Marine Autonomous Systems, designed to equip professionals and organisations with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this rapidly evolving field. It provides short courses, as well as in-depth programmes delivered either intensively or over several weeks, through undergraduate and postgraduate modules. And it is constantly looking for new opportunities to offer courses in this area, with emerging developments include the design and construction of small USVs, the regulations and certification of autonomous systems, and the establishment and operation of Remote Operations Centres.

The skills needed to support the growth in marine autonomy are in areas we’ve been excelling in for years – one of the many reasons so many of our graduates are already working in the sector. But there is an opportunity now to combine those traditional skills with global advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence. That is something we are doing through all our teaching and CPD programmes, so our graduates – and those already working in industry – can harness the skills they need to succeed in this expanding field.

Christopher FogwillProfessor Christopher Fogwill
Executive Dean

 

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