Greensea IQ unveils autonomous tether management

Greensea IQ has unveiled its new Autonomous Tether Management System (TMS) for inspection-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), reducing the need for field supervision.

Integrated with the company’s ROV autonomy software, the portable system maintains proper tether tension throughout missions, while autonomously managing tether launch and recovery. The technology enables a single operator, working remotely or locally, to operate a tethered system effectively.

Developed and tested over four years, the TMS prototype was demonstrated to and evaluated by the USS Navy before its production release. The system is now deployed in support of Greensea IQ’s EverClean autonomous hull cleaning and inspection system.

“ROVs with autonomy software are ready to be deployed in unmanned operations, but managing the tether remains a major operational hurdle. This autonomous tether management system solves that problem,” said Ben Kinnaman, chief executive of Greensea IQ.

Kinnaman added that the technology enables ROV deployment from unmanned assets and in unmanned configurations, with confidence that tether management will not limit operations. He also noted that EverClean is already benefiting from the system, contributing to safer and more efficient operations.

In keeping with Greensea IQ’s open-architecture approach, the TMS can be paired with the company’s Safe C2 system to support over-the-horizon operations, allowing crews to oversee missions remotely.

Greensea IQ plans to deploy the TMS next in support of unmanned mine countermeasures operations. Designed for flexible, portable integration into lightweight unmanned surface vessels, the system aims to help enable successful joint unmanned operations.