Activities in the underwater domain are essential to the economy and to society in general, holding high expectations for future growth. Unfortunately, most underwater operations require an overview of the submerged area before even being performed, for both safety and efficiency in operations. Very frequently, these activities take place in environments with poor water visibility conditions, thus, a new generation of imaging sonars, namely the two-dimensional Forward-Looking Sonars (FLS), have produced a recent breakthrough in the market. These devices, also termed acoustic cameras, are able to directly deliver 2D images of unprecedented clarity and resolution compared to other available sonar technologies. Using automated systems for such inspections, reduces risk for human divers, reduces costs for failed missions due to low visibility and allows a new set of applications for public health not available before. Given the lack of solutions to generate maps with this kind of data, IQUA robotics set the goal of developing a new mapping software that could process these complicated kind of images.
The correct interpretation of the data when using a mapping software prevents on errors (reducing costs), allows preventive maintenance of structures (dams, bridges, fisheries, vessels,...) increasing society security and opens a new set of applications for the emerging technology of the FLS.
The goal of the company within this SME instrument project was to validate and refine the business model for the technology. In the framework of the coaching, IQUA has worked towards the establishment of a solid base that represents an extremely helpful aid for the launching of the product.
