The MAS project is a two year programme, supported by Innovate UK and DSTL, to develop a pressure tolerant battery pack capable of powering autonomous vehicles to ocean depths of 6,000m using next generation Lithium Sulfur cells. With just 6 months remaining until completion, the consortium, led by Steatite, and consisting of OXIS Energy, MSubs and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has made tremendous advances in battery capability through extensive design and testing.The project is now moving towards full open water trials in two deep dive vehicles.

Steatite, a leader in the development of power solutions for extreme environments, has formally become a partner with the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre. With over 30 years’ experience in the development of lithium batteries, Steatite’s move into the Innovation Centre is a sign of the company’s potential to secure their position as global leader for innovative power solutions for deep-sea Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS). The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and Steatite already form part of a UK consortium, using the latest lithium-sulfur chemistry to research and develop safe, pressure tolerant, rechargeable batteries with increased endurance and reduced payloads, optimizing their potential for integration with MAS.

AutoNaut Ltd, a global leader in autonomous wave propelled vessels, has formally become a partner with the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre. UK-based AutoNaut and the NOC has enjoyed a long-term relationship since 2013 and this move is a sign of the company’s increasing ambitions. Recent investment from the Seiche Group has enabled AutoNaut to expand manufacturing facilities and engineering expertise as well as recruit several new members of staff. A desk in the innovation centre will be utilised by AutoNaut Ltd technical and business development personnel to work alongside the NOC’s marine autonomy and robotics team.

Thales, a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets, announced today that it will be taking space in the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton to facilitate its ongoing partnership with the NOC on marine autonomy projects. Thales and the NOC are currently working together on the regulatory, environmental risk, policies and laws associated with Marine Autonomous Systems.

In October 2015 a consortium of UK companies and academic partners, led by Steatite began an R&D project to develop a battery pack that will be pressure tolerant up to depths of 6000 metres.