Michigan Tech Unveils Maritime Autonomy Research Site

Michigan Technological University unveiled the Maritime Autonomy Research Site (MARS) on 10 August 2018. The facility will provide a space to try out new technologies that facilitate greater use of unmanned research and survey vessels.

Located on Lake Superior’s Portage Canal in the Upper Peninsula, the Maritime Autonomy Research Site is the first freshwater testing spot of its kind in the world, according to officials.

Following the launch ceremony, there was a live demonstration of state-of-the-art autonomous marine technologies.

The unveiling of MARS was held in conjunction with the launch of the Smart Ships Coalition, designed to study and set ground rules for the use of autonomous marine vehicles on the Great Lakes. The coalition is made up of scientists, policy makers, resource managers, innovators, navigators and educators that share a common interest in the advancement of autonomous technologies in marine environments.