At the Intelligent Transportation Systems Lab (Smart Move), we specialize in the development and deployment of advanced autonomous maritime systems. Our fleet comprises a diverse range of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, each equipped with state-of-the-art sensor arrays and control systems.

These vessels are integral to our multidisciplinary research initiatives, enabling large-scale testing, rapid prototyping, and real-world applications in autonomous navigation, environmental monitoring, and intelligent transportation solutions.

By providing hands-on platforms for both advanced experimentation and immersive education, our fleet supports student-led projects, simulation-based training, and collaborative fieldwork, fostering innovation and practical learning in maritime technology.

Main Research Vessels

A number of remotely operated vessels (ROVs), autonomous surface/underwater vessels (AUVs) equipped with complimentary and competitive sensor equipment.

photo of Aerosea 1, a DPSD autonomous sea vessel

AeroSea 1

Autonomous Exploration & Reconnaissance

  • Length: 2.5m
  • Width: 1.8m
  • Height :(overall) 1.2m
  • Weight: 205kg
  • Max Speed: +5Kn
  • Optimal Survey Speed: 1.5-4kn
  • Equipment: Payload 300kg
  • Propulsion: Dual Electric Outboards 100lbs
  • Battery Configuration: 60000mAh total
  • Endurance: ~4hr
  • RC range: 20km(*)
  • Video transmission range: 2km
  • Telemetry range: 10-15km
  • Multilayer fiberglass & kevlar
  • Gelcoat black & orange
  • Aluminium frames
  • Waterproof inspection hatches
  • CUAV X7+ PRO Flight
  • NEO 3 GPS
  • ADS-B Carrier & Power Module
  • 2 x ESC 900A High Voltage
  • 2 x Thruster 100lbs
  • RC Transmitter, Receiver, HD Camera
  • Base Station Tablet 10”
  • RDF9000 High Range Telemetry
  • UBEC 10A HV
  • Battery 60000mAh 12V Pack
  • 2 x Dual Band High Gain WiFi Antenna 2.4-5GHz
  • Navigation Lights & Led Flasher Warning Lights
  • Battery Charges
με120 autonomous vessel

ME120

Hydrographic Unmanned Surface Vehicle

  • Length: 2.5m
  • Width: 1.4m
  • Height: (overall) 0.75m
  • Weight: 150kg
  • Max Speed: ~8Kn
  • Optimal Survey Speed: ~3.5kn
  • Payload: 45kg
  • Endurance: ~8hr at 3.5kn
  • Telemetry Range: 2km RC / 5km Auto
  • Singlebeam echo sounder
  • Multibeam echo sounder
  • ADCP
  • 3D LiDAR scanner
  • Side-scan sonar
  • Forward-looking sonar
  • Water quality sonde

C.U.A.K. Autonomous Sea Vessel

Student Project (RoBoat Race 1 winner)

  • Length: ~1m
  • Width: 0.45m
  • Height: 0.5m
  • Weight: ~7kg
  • Max Speed: 7Kn
  • Optimal Survey Speed: ~3.5kn
  • Payload: up to 3-4kg
  • Endurance: ~6hr at 3.5kn
  • Battery Configuration: 3x9000mAh
  • Endurance: ~6hr at 3.5kn
  • Propulsion: 2x Blue Robotics T200 100N (50+50)
  • Polyethylene Marine Plastic (main hull)
  • ABS/PLA 3D-printed (sensor mounts)
  • Marine wood (thruster pivots)
  • GPS waypoint navigation
  • Rugged GPS/INS
  • Charging system
  • MARCODE
  • Short range radio
  • Encrypted wireless network
  • ROCS
  • ROBO-HELM
  • 180° FOV camera
  • Navigation lights

Blue Robotics ROV2 + Heavy retrofit kit

Blue ROV 2

The BlueROV2, equipped with the Heavy Retrofit Kit, is a modular and versatile underwater ROV used in our lab for research, experimentation, and field deployments. Its customizable design, advanced maneuverability, and integration with our existing autonomous systems make it a valuable tool for underwater exploration, mapping, and testing of perception algorithms.

Key Features:

  • Compact & Modular Design: Measures 457 mm x 338 mm x 254 mm, weighing 11–12 kg with standard ballast. 
  • Powerful Thrusters: Six T200 thrusters (four vectored, two vertical) enable precise maneuverability and a top speed of 1.5 m/s (≈3 knots). With Heavy Kit: Two additional vertical thrusters provide improved pitch, roll control, and greater stability.
  • Depth Capability: Standard version rated for 100m, upgradeable to 300m with aluminum pressure housings.
  • High-Quality Imaging: 1080p low-light HD camera with a 110° field of view for clear underwater visuals.
  • Enhanced Thrust & Stability: With Heavy Kit: Increased vertical bollard thrust (14 kgf / 30.8 lbf) and six-degree-of-freedom movement for more precise positioning.
  • Open-Source Software & Integration: Runs ArduSub, supporting full customization and seamless integration with various payloads, sensors, sonars, and robotic manipulators. Well-aligned with our fleet, most of which run different flavors of ArduPilot (primarily ArduPilot Rover adapted for sea vessels), ensuring smooth interoperability across platforms. Additionally, it integrates effectively with our custom software stack, which builds on ArduPilot’s framework to enhance mission planning, autonomy, and multi-vehicle coordination.

The official specifications for the BlueROV2 and the Heavy Retrofit Kit can be found here and here, respectively.

Scalable Autonomous Vessel Fleet

Our lab maintains a secondary fleet of autonomous vessels, offering a cost-effective yet fully capable complement to our primary research platforms. Designed for both advanced experimentation and hands-on education, this fleet consists of multiple autonomous surface vessels (USVs) built with reliable and affordable hardware. It supports large-scale testing, rapid prototyping, and real-world deployment in autonomous maritime research. Seamlessly integrating with our main fleet, these vessels are readily available for student-led projects, simulation-based training, and experimental fieldwork, serving as a vital resource for cutting-edge research and immersive learning experiences, including our summer schools.

We utilize two main types of hulls for these vessels:

  • Custom-designed 3D-printed hulls, optimized for stability, efficiency, and affordability. Their modular nature allows for rapid prototyping, design flexibility, and full customization based on research needs.
  • Commercially available rigid plastic hulls, offering a ready-to-use alternative for quick deployment and experimental setups.

Onboard Systems and Components

Each unmanned vessel is fitted with essential hardware and computing systems to support autonomous navigation and remote operation. This includes:

  • A central flight controller capable of running open-source autopilot software.
  • Electronic speed controllers (ESCs) and thrusters for precise movement and maneuverability.
  • A remote control system for manual operation when needed.
  • A high-capacity rechargeable battery to support extended missions.
  • An onboard companion computer for real-time data processing and communication.

Sensors & Imaging Equipment

To support autonomous perception and navigation, the fleet integrates a variety of sensors and vision systems, such as:

  • Standard and AI-powered cameras for vision processing, object tracking, and depth perception.
  • LiDAR, radar, and other environmental sensors for obstacle detection, mapping, and navigation research.

This versatile setup allows for a broad range of experiments, from software-in-the-loop (SITL) simulations to real-world autonomous maritime applications.