The PowerBuoy, integrating OPT’s Maritime Domain Awareness System (MDAS) along with cutting-edge Satellite communication and AT&T 5G technology, will demonstrate its persistent surveillance and communications capacities in a maritime environment. This deployment marks a significant milestone in maritime technology, showcasing the potential of standalone at-sea infrastructure nodes to support the Joint Force’s diverse operational needs.
This project will be an integral part of a series of NPS Field Experimentation exercises. It aims to explore and exploit the value that such autonomous at-sea infrastructure can provide, particularly in enhancing situational awareness and communication capabilities for maritime operations.
Furthermore, this deployment signifies the first installation of AT&T cellular technology on one of OPT’s commercially proven ocean buoys. This advancement is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between OPT and AT&T, which began with the SLAMR initiative at NPS and has now evolved into a focused effort to enable AT&T’s pioneering 5G At Sea initiative.
Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, commented on this significant collaboration: “We are excited to see our PowerBuoy technology being used in such a groundbreaking way. This deployment not only demonstrates the versatility and reliability of our systems in challenging marine environments but also marks a significant step in our collaboration with AT&T. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of maritime surveillance and communication.”
This initiative is expected to set new standards in maritime technology and communications, paving the way for future advancements in ocean-based platforms and their applications in various fields.
