The Rottnest graveyard, dating back to the 1900s provides a final resting place for various vessels including ships, naval crafts, aircraft, and covert submarines. However, most of these resting sites remain veiled in secrecy, hidden beneath depths ranging from 50 meters to 200 meters. Such profound depths present formidable obstacles and financial burdens for any exploration endeavors.

Underwater drone spots hundred-year-old shipwreck in Western Australia

In a groundbreaking mission, Advanced Navigation, a pioneer in AI robotics and navigation technology, has unveiled a new era in ocean exploration with the deployment of their cutting-edge underwater drone, Hydrus.

Hydrus, hailed as a marvel in underwater robotic technology, recently ventured into the treacherous depths of the Rottnest ship graveyard off the coast of Western Australia in the vast Indian Ocean.

The outcome? A momentous discovery of a 64-meter shipwreck, surpassing the magnitude of even the largest marine creatures.

Unveiling Hidden Treasures Beneath the Waves

As humanity has barely scratched the surface of ocean exploration, with a mere 5% charted, the remaining 95% holds a trove of secrets, including an estimated 3 million undiscovered shipwrecks.

Among them, 1,819 recorded wrecks lie off the Western Australian coast alone, each harboring invaluable insights into our cultural, historical, and scientific heritage.

The Rottnest graveyard, dating back to the 1900s, serves as a resting place for ships, naval vessels, aircraft, and clandestine submarines. Yet, the majority remain shrouded in mystery due to their depths, ranging from 50m to 200m, which pose significant challenges and expenses for exploration.

Unlocking the Depths with Hydrus

Hydrus, a compact marvel designed for single-person deployment, utilized its advanced navigation and communication sensors to capture stunning 4K video and imagery during its mission.

Analyzing the data, the team rejoiced as Hydrus unveiled the 64-meter shipwreck. With precision coordinates in hand, the team swiftly executed three missions, completing a full survey in under five hours – a feat previously deemed arduous and costly.

Empowering Historical Analysis and Education

The data, a goldmine for maritime archaeology, was shared with the Western Australian Museum and Curtin University HIVE for further analysis.

Through shipwreck photogrammetry, Curtin University HIVE reconstructed a high-resolution replica of the wreck, shedding light on its historical significance as a century-old coal hulk from Fremantle Port’s heyday.

Dr. Ross Anderson of the WA Museum emphasized the invaluable nature of this data, facilitating maritime archaeological research and education. Such high-resolution imagery provides a window into underwater cultural heritage, illuminating untold stories beneath the waves.

Hydrus: A Game-Changer in Cost-Efficient Exploration

Traditionally, underwater data collection incurred substantial risks and costs, with missions exceeding AUD$20,000 for depths less than 50m and skyrocketing to over AUD$100,000 for deeper explorations. However, Hydrus has overturned this paradigm, slashing surveying costs by up to 75%.

With its compact design and streamlined operations, Hydrus enables more frequent and extensive exploration, democratizing ocean exploration like never before.

About Advanced Navigation:

Founded in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, Advanced Navigation is at the forefront of AI-based inertial navigation.

With a diverse portfolio spanning AI, sonar, GNSS, robotics, and more, the company serves industry giants including Airbus, Boeing, Google, and General Motors.