The system developed by WaiV Robotics enables the launch and recovery of drones from moving vessels in open seas and even in rough weather, without changing the drone’s software or hardware.

The platform can presently support drones weighing up to 15 kilograms, with future versions planned for small aircraft of 3 kilograms and bigger UAVs weighing around 100 to 300 kilograms.

The platform is gyro-stabilised, which maintains a level surface during recovery and launch and does away with the need to modify the drone itself, which protects the drone’s battery efficiency, payload capability and offers cybersecurity protection.

The software then guides it in the same manner as a pilot operating it would. Human operators can also transfer control to the automated AI system during landing or takeoff while retaining the ability to interrupt if required.

The platform has been well-received by the market since it can support several VTOL drone configurations, including helicopters, multicopters and fixed-wing UAVs from different manufacturers.

The high-tech AI guidance software helps the drones to constantly adapt to the changing sea conditions and the ship’s position during launch and recovery, making it extremely accurate.