The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has hosted its annual Marine Autonomous Technology Showcase (MATS), which brought together a wide range of different industries and members of the science community to share updates on technological developments for the last year, while also highlighting what the future holds for marine technology.
The south coast showcase – which was attended by the likes of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US Navy and Teledyne Marine – aimed to explore the information needs of users of Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS), review the current technologies available to enable the data gathering for MAS users, and explore how users could maximize the data.
Net-zero technology is currently at the forefront of the science community and the NOC’s world-leading technology is helping to provide a solution to the current climate change problem. The transition to a Net Zero Oceanographic Capability will rely upon technologies that span green fuels, automated vessel operations, cutting edge battery technology, AI-enabled optimisation of networked platforms, novel sensor technology and world-leading robotics. These systems help to reduce the need for ships and therefore reduces the science communities’ impact on the environment.
Huw Gullick, Associate Director at the National Oceanography Centre, added: “Our annual MATS showcase acts as a central hub for a wide range of different industries and members of the science community to come together and share updates on technological developments. Highlighting our state-of-the-art technology will help to progress the steps towards a Net-Zero world.
“In the last two decades, we have been using satellites and floats more and have even introduced underwater robots, which are becoming more advanced at capturing important information from beneath the surface. We all need to transition to a Net-Zero world, including ocean science and the NOC’s state-of-the-art technology provides a great step towards a Net-Zero world.”
MATS has grown over the last eight years to become a key event in the marine technology calendar, attracting delegates from around the world. The NOC welcomed guests and exhibitors for a packed three days of insightful presentations and networking opportunities, offering a unique and valuable opportunity to find out about the latest developments in marine autonomous technology and supporting applications. Discussions also focused on how this field has developed in the past year and is set to develop in the years to come.
To find out more information about the NOC’s MATS event, please visit: https://noc-events.co.uk/mats-2022
