Navier USN provides modular autonomous surface vessel prototypes that combine lightweight hulls, custom embedded control boards, and a ROS 2‑based perception and navigation stack. The platforms include cloud‑hosted simulation, OTA firmware updates, and open‑source 3D models, enabling research labs and industry partners to rapidly prototype, test, and validate maritime autonomy.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Research institutions and maritime companies often lack affordable, modular platforms that combine robust mechanical design, embedded control, and advanced perception for testing autonomous surface vessel technologies. Existing solutions are either proprietary, expensive, or require extensive in‑house expertise, creating a barrier to rapid prototyping and field validation.
Solution
Navier USN delivers end‑to‑end autonomous vessel prototypes that integrate lightweight hull structures, custom electronics, and a full autonomy stack. The team develops embedded control firmware, sensor‑fusion perception algorithms, and cloud‑hosted simulation environments that enable rapid iteration from CAD to water trials. Competitive performance is validated through international RoboBoat events, providing a proven benchmark for reliability and maneuverability. All designs are documented and shared via an online 3D model viewer, allowing external partners to replicate or customize the platforms with minimal effort. By coupling hands‑on student development with industry sponsorship, Navier USN offers a cost‑effective pathway for research labs and commercial entities to access cutting‑edge maritime autonomy.
Target Audience
Primary customers are maritime research laboratories, university robotics programs, and industry partners seeking prototype autonomous surface vessels for testing, validation, or demonstration purposes.
Features
- Modular hull architecture compatible with standard marine components and rapid CNC fabrication
- Custom embedded control board featuring ARM Cortex‑M processors, CAN bus networking, and real‑time PID loops
- Integrated sensor suite (RTK‑GPS, IMU, LiDAR, ultrasonic rangefinders) with sensor‑fusion middleware built on ROS 2
- Autonomous navigation stack including waypoint planning, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive mission scripting
- Cloud‑based simulation pipeline using Gazebo and Docker containers for virtual sea‑state testing
- Remote telemetry dashboard with live telemetry, health monitoring, and over‑the‑air firmware updates
- Open‑source documentation and 3D model viewer enabling external replication and customization
- Competition‑grade performance validation (e.g., RoboBoat Vice‑Championship) demonstrating reliability under complex obstacle courses