The USVSTAR is a portable Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) designed for scientific work across open ocean, coastal, and shallow marine zones. Its chassis separates quickly for transport, and its inflatable PVC floats reduce bulk during field moves. The platform’s modular frame enables teams to change toolsets between surveys, supporting missions such as water collection, underwater inspections, and general environmental measurements.
Researchers can integrate a wide assortment of instruments, including water-quality analyzers, GNSS receivers, echosounders, subsea camera units, and optional robotic accessories. Multiple propulsion settings extend runtime, while the metal deck structure expands to accommodate mission-specific gear.
The platform accepts a 5-liter sampling bottle, provides protected spaces for electronics, and carries up to 35 kilograms of equipment despite its sub-meter length and roughly 15-kilogram operating mass. Field crews can bring the system from stowed to ready in about three minutes, making it suitable for rapid deployments in remote marine locations.
