Kraken Robotics Inc., headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland, made an announcement on May 15, 2023. The company revealed that it has received purchase orders totaling $1.1 million for its AquaPix® synthetic aperture sonar (SAS). These orders are intended for integrating the SAS systems into Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for applications related to mine hunting and security. However, the names of the customers have not been disclosed, and the expected delivery of these systems is set for 2023.
Kraken’s AquaPix is a readily available SAS that offers a cost-effective alternative to high-end sidescan systems. Despite its affordability, AquaPix provides superior resolution, range, and area coverage rates (ACR). By utilizing SAS technology instead of traditional Side Scan Sonar systems, naval, scientific, and commercial sectors can greatly expand their capabilities. The extended range, enhanced resolution, and consequently improved ACR of SAS enable various applications in these fields.
Kraken’s AquaPix stands out as it can capture Ultra High-Definition SAS images measuring 2 cm x 2 cm over long distances. Moreover, AquaPix is uniquely suitable for the increasingly popular small, portable vehicle class. Its modular design allows for integration into more than 20 different underwater vehicle platforms, ranging from shallow waters to full ocean depths. Kraken’s SAS has demonstrated its versatility by being one of only two companies globally that have successfully sold and integrated SAS into small, portable vehicles, towed systems, and deep-water vehicles. This adaptability across multiple platforms allows military customers to simplify their Post Mission Analysis processes by maintaining consistent sonar resolution and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) performance across their entire fleet of vehicles and mission requirements.