RTI Connext adopted in Voyis autonomous subsea platforms

Real-Time Innovations (RTI) has been chosen by Voyis to provide the data distribution backbone for its latest underwater vision platforms. The collaboration focuses on integrating RTI’s middleware into onboard systems used in commercial and defence subsea operations.

Voyis is utilizing RTI Connext as the foundational data framework for the onboard software architecture of its Discovery and Observer Vision Systems. These camera platforms are tailored for remotely operated vehicles and autonomous subsea vehicles, merging low-latency video with direct 3D modeling from still images.

RTI explains that Connext serves as the data backbone, facilitating the movement of imaging outputs in a predictable manner between onboard compute resources, autonomy stacks, and vehicle subsystems. In subsea environments where bandwidth may be limited and connections sporadic, deterministic real-time communication is a crucial design element.

Voyis states that they opted for Connext after facing constraints with alternative open-source implementations, particularly in debugging and maintaining complex distributed systems. The company highlights the presence of tooling, documentation, and ecosystem support as factors that streamlined integration efforts and hastened development.

“The comprehensive tooling, documentation, and support that accompanied Connext enabled us to concentrate on constructing a robust, adaptable vision system rather than troubleshooting the underlying infrastructure,” remarked Adam Riese, Vice President of Engineering at Voyis. “This foundation provided us with the confidence to progress swiftly and design for adaptability. As system requirements evolve, we were able to integrate new functionalities and uphold performance without overhauling our approach.”

Data Backbone for Subsea Vision Systems

RTI positions Connext as empowering a microservices-based architecture across embedded camera systems, facilitating deterministic communication between dispersed components. This methodology is increasingly pertinent in autonomous maritime platforms that need to amalgamate sensor data, execute AI-powered perception, and coordinate actuation instantaneously.

In defense scenarios, underwater vision systems can enhance situational awareness and hazard detection, including the identification of mines and other risks. In commercial offshore activities, they are commonly employed for inspection, survey, and exploration assignments.

“In both commercial and defense applications, vision systems play a pivotal role in enhancing situational awareness, recognizing hazards such as IEDs and mines, and enabling autonomous manipulation and obstacle avoidance,” stated John Breitenbach, Director of Aerospace and Defense Markets at RTI. “Connext furnishes the mission-ready data infrastructure necessary to deploy interoperable, resilient systems in the most challenging maritime environments.”