An Australian-made technology capable of autonomously detecting marine life and ocean hazards has completed a successful trial in one of the country’s most sensitive marine environments — marking a major step forward for ocean safety and environmental protection.
Deployed off the coast of Arnhem Land through a partnership between Riverside Oceanic and Perth-based Greenroom Robotics, the system showcased how AI-driven situational awareness can strengthen crew safety, safeguard marine wildlife and enhance oversight during complex marine survey operations.
Riverside Oceanic, part of the 100-year-old Australian-owned Riverside Marine Group, mobilised the Riverside Guardian to support a 60-day hydrographic project that collected key data within the protected waters of the Arnhem Marine Park.
To enhance safety and reduce risks to both personnel and wildlife, the vessel was equipped with Greenroom Robotics’ Lookout+ system for the duration of the project.
Lookout+ integrates optical, radar, and thermal cameras to detect, classify, and geolocate vessels, marine mammals, navigation markers, and other ocean hazards in real time.
Over its two-month deployment, the system recorded a distance of 8,396 nautical miles, identified 1,840 objects, and verified 2,784 square nautical miles of ocean coverage — an area more than four times the size of the Australian Capital Territory.
On average, it tracked 22 objects per day, demonstrating exceptional reliability and operational value.
Angus Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Riverside Marine, said the successful demonstration reinforced the company’s dedication to safety and responsible ocean operations.
“Our research vessels operate in highly sensitive marine environments which require no compromise in safety awareness from crew onboard.
“Our partnership with Greenroom Robotics reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and innovation through using the latest AI technology to minimise safety risk for all personnel onboard as well as marine wildlife,” he said.
“It is a powerful tool to monitor the marine environment in real time providing useful alerts to the crew on the bridge.
“With Lookout+, we’re not only improving safety for our crew and vessels but also acting as responsible ocean stewards, protecting the marine environments we work in.”
Harry Hubbert, Chief Operating Officer of Greenroom Robotics, said the trial highlights how autonomous systems can transform maritime safety.
“Traditionally, a human lookout working in isolation can only view about a 15-degree section of ocean and only during daylight hours,” he said.
“The optical and heat-sensing cameras provide 360-degree awareness, operating 24/7.”
“Lookout+ delivers unparalleled levels of situational awareness at sea, playing a critical role in preventing vessel collisions and helping to safeguard marine life and crew safety.”
The hydrographic survey was conducted under the Hydro Scheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP), overseen by the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO).
The AHO designs and manages HIPP activities using a risk-based approach, focusing on improving navigational safety and reducing environmental risk.
