IMWTS 26 SAA tu 1015

Introduction to Mr. Gary Bago and Elwave

Overview of the Speaker and Company

• Mr. Gary Bago, a French hydrography expert from Elwave, presents at Minara for the third consecutive year.

• Elwave specializes in designing underwater electric field sensors, including both passive and active sensors for mine detection.

Focus on Detection to Neutralization Bottleneck

Key Challenges in Mine Countermeasures (MCM)

• The presentation emphasizes the bottleneck between detection and neutralization as critical for speeding up area cleaning processes.

• Two product lines are highlighted: an active sensor for electric imaging and material characterization of mines, and a new sensor called E-Sense.

Applications of Underwater Electric Field Sensors

Versatile Use Cases

• Underwater electric field sensors can detect various targets such as mines, buried objects, and unexploded ordnance (UXOs).

• The MCM challenge is characterized by too many contacts with insufficient certainty regarding their nature.

Efficiency of Autonomous Platforms

Advancements in Survey Technology

• Discussion on autonomous underwater vehicles (UUV), like Montis, which can cover large areas quickly but may generate numerous contacts requiring investigation.

• AI plays a role in handling sonar data but often leads to conservative classifications due to risk aversion.

Limitations of Current Technologies

Operational Realities

• Despite advancements in sonar technology, significant mission time is spent verifying contacts that are not mines.

• A question arises about rejecting non-threatening contacts earlier with greater confidence while minimizing dependence on water clarity.

Importance of Sensing in MCM Operations

Sensor Capabilities

• Emphasis on the importance of sensing within the "killing chain" for effective mine countermeasure operations.

• Different sensors have unique strengths; acoustic sensors excel in detection range but struggle with complex terrains.

Bio-Inspired Sensing Technology

Innovative Approaches

• Elwave's technology draws inspiration from nature, specifically from the elephant nose fish that uses electrical fields to sense its environment.

Demonstration of Electric Imaging Capabilities

Practical Examples

• The tetra pulse sensor provides detailed images showing object size, shape, and material properties through electrical conductivity analysis.

Global Deployment Examples

Case Studies

• Various deployments worldwide demonstrate the effectiveness of Elwave’s technology under challenging conditions like turbidity or rocky seabeds.

Collaboration with Other Companies

Partnerships

• Collaboration with companies like Furo enhances operational efficiency by integrating advanced sensing technologies into existing platforms.

Enhancements Through Positioning Systems

Technological Upgrades

• Integration with high-grade positioning systems improves survey accuracy during UXO operations significantly compared to traditional methods.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

Urgency in Specific Regions

• Highlighting urgent needs for reopening maritime routes affected by environmental challenges such as salinity changes and strong currents impacting acoustic performance.

Conclusion on Sensor Utility

Future Directions

• Emphasizing collaboration opportunities across robotic companies to enhance MCM capabilities through innovative sensing solutions.