Special Report: Theyr multi-objective optimisation software begins voyage of discovery on NOMARS

T-VOS has been integrated into the Marine AI technology platform developed for DARPA's NOMARS programme. NOMARS is being delivered by Serco in the shape of the demonstrator vessel USX-1 Defiant (pictured). (DARPA)

Building on its role in the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA's) No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) uncrewed surface vessel (USV) programme, UK-based software and artificial intelligence (AI) house Theyr is looking to grow the use of its AI-based Theyr – Voyage Optimisation Solution (T-VOS) multi-objective voyage optimisation technology to the naval sector.

Computer-aided voyage optimisation systems are widely used in the commercial maritime sector to choose the ‘best' sailing route and corresponding speed(s) for a sea transit based on forecast sea environments. That this uptake has not been replicated in the naval market reflects the profit and regulatory imperatives faced by shipping lines in respect of fuel efficiency, transit time, and ‘greenhouse' emissions, plus a naval culture that traditionally places ‘mandraulic' responsibility for route planning with the ship's navigating officer.

However, Theyr now sees opportunities to bring T-VOS into the defence realm to address the needs of both crewed and autonomous vessels. In particular, it sees its multi-objective approach affording flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency for autonomous vessels.

According to Theyr CEO and Founder David Young, T-VOS differs from earlier generation voyage management software in its adoption of multi-objective algorithmic techniques. “Traditional single-objective methods using A* algorithms often overlook important variables, leading to less accurate results,” he told Janes . “Also, because they focus solely on one objective, such as minimising fuel consumption, crucial variables are often overlooked during the optimisation process.