WHY USE AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VEHICLES
Monitoring aquatic environments requires tools capable of operating reliably, precisely and cost-effectively, even in dynamic or difficult-to-access conditions. Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) enable the acquisition of environmental and geophysical data while reducing operational costs and improving the safety, repeatability and continuity of measurements compared with conventional survey vessels.
WHAT OPENSWAP IS
OpenSWAP is an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) designed for remote-controlled and fully autonomous operations, developed by PROAMBIENTE for geophysical surveys, environmental monitoring, video inspections and custom scientific applications.
The platform is lightweight, modular and fully customizable, compatible with major GPS systems and a wide range of scientific sensors.
The system originated from a long-term collaboration with CNR-ISMAR Bologna, through multiple research projects that supported its development and continuous optimization.
ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
OpenSWAP is based on open-source platforms and includes:
- autonomous navigation system with dual GPS and inertial sensors
- custom-developed control software, refined and optimized over the years (not based on ArduPilot)
- broadband communication for remote control up to 1 km range
The platform is built as a compact catamaran in highly resistant LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene), with the following key features:
- 4 brushless electric motors
- customizable modular structure
- aluminum/steel frame for scientific instrument integration
The payload capacity reaches up to 40 kg, enabling the integration of advanced and complex instrumentation.
CONTROL SOFTWARE: OPENSWAP MANAGER
The system is managed through OpenSWAP Manager, a proprietary GIS-based software platform designed to provide:
- compatibility with Windows, macOS and Linux
- import of standard vector file formats
- integration with high-resolution satellite maps
- survey planning, mission control and real-time data visualization
WHAT MAKES OPENSWAP DISTINCTIVE
OpenSWAP’s core strength lies in the complete in-house development of both hardware and software, enabling:
- integration with virtually any measurement instrument compatible in terms of size and payload
- maximum application flexibility
- full platform customization
Since 2019, PROAMBIENTE has been among the first organizations to commercialize a fully Italian-designed and manufactured ASV with these characteristics, with the objective of making environmental monitoring more accessible, automated, repeatable and cost-efficient.
KEY APPLICATIONS
- Multibeam bathymetric surveys for the production of high-resolution mapping compliant with IHO hydrographic standards, in collaboration with leading sector companies
- Single-beam bathymetric surveys for lower-resolution bathymetric mapping based on depth profiles with centimetric vertical accuracy (PROAMBIENTE instrumentation)
- Multiparameter probes for real-time measurement of parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, electrical conductivity and temperature
- Automated surface water sampling using 500 ml automatic samplers developed by PROAMBIENTE
- LEARN MORE
Looking to deploy OpenSWAP for aquatic environmental monitoring or develop an innovative custom application?Discover more at www.openswap.it or contact us to define a tailor-made sales or service configuration
