Marine Autonomy & Technology Showcase 2024

When: 05/11/2024

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has been pioneering in the development of Marine Autonomous Systems for nearly 20 years now, developing platforms and technology that have collected data from the most challenging environments, transforming our understanding of the ocean. Our world-leading thinking has also been shared with companies operating in this sector, and we continue to build an impressive portfolio of collaborative projects with industry partners that will develop the next generation of marine autonomy going forward.

The Marine Autonomy & Technology Showcase (MATS) was created by NOC as an exciting way to showcase the world-leading platform and sensor developments across the sector engaging many stakeholder groups from both the private and public sector, all united around the benefits that can be achieved from development and use of marine autonomy for ocean observation.

MATS is an annual event encouraging an international audience of presenters and attendees with the aim of showcasing the progress on the past five years and launching plans for the coming five years.

Themes 2024

During MATS 2024 – our 10th event – we aim to explore Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS), to underline its significance and to represent each key aspect through the themes outlined.

Throughout the event we will reflect on some of the big advancements and aspirations of the 10 previous events, many of which have been actualised over this period and resulted in key developments.

We encourage presenters of all nationalities, genders and backgrounds to submit an abstract for consideration. This includes early careers or newly qualified engineers / technicians as we actively seek to enable the next generation to begin their journey.

Theme 1 – The Blue Economy, Sustainability and Future Marine Research Infrastructure

Discover how innovative organisations are implementing sustainable practices into their current and future operations. This theme explores how Net Zero initiatives are enabling sustainability and how Marine Autonomous Systems drive this forward. For this theme we are looking at presentations that demonstrate innovative ways to embrace and develop the way forward.

Theme 2 – Robotics and Remote Data Collection

We invite presentations from end-users of marine technology, focussing on both current and aspirational data gathering applications of MAS. Aiming to explore interactions with the environment, subsea infrastructure, and how MAS can be utilised to meet end-user requirements. We are also welcoming presentations showcasing the success of implementing marine technology with evidence of improved service, reduced carbon emissions, and increased data quality and quantity.

Theme 3 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in the Maritime World

This theme will explore the latest advancements and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in MAS and marine data analysis. AI and ML are increasingly being used to improve the performance, efficiency, and usability of MAS, including in navigation, perception, environmental monitoring, and image analysis. While there are many benefits to integrating AI into MAS, there are also many challenges.

How ‘real’ is AI? Is actual decision-making happening now vs. pattern recognition (ML)? What advances are being made towards true AI? How much trust can we put in these technologies? How relevant are they to end-user applications and real-world contexts?

Presentations are sought on a range of topics including autonomous navigation, planning, data analysis and annotation to provide an insight into the latest trends and emerging technologies in marine autonomy, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Theme 4 – Autonomous Platforms: the Next Generation and Supporting Technology

We will be putting a spotlight on the next 12 months of autonomous platform development. Presentations are sought that include, but are not limited to, sensing technologies, end to end systems, situational awareness, navigation, networking, collaboration and cooperation, residency, launch and recovery and novel vehicles including a forward look to future vehicle technologies. We are also encouraging presentations that look at the roles of software, cyber technologies and digital twins in operations.

This session will demonstrate how step changes in MAS technology deliver improved performance through real examples of field operation, whether with a single platform or a fleet of platforms.

Abstract Submission 2024

Submission for Abstracts is now open. Abstracts should detail the name and content of your presentation it should be no more than 200 words in length. Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by a technical review committee once abstract submission closes on 5 July and successful presentations will be notified by early September.

To submit an abstract please click here

Exhibiting at MATS 2024

Exhibit spaces for MATS 2024 are now open. To view the floor plan and select your stand click here, (view this in 2D and click the number 1 in the bottom left corner to view stand numbers). Yellow stands have already been allocated.

Exhibit Package

This package entitles the exhibitor to a display 2m x 1m space located within the refreshment area of the event. The space includes table, chair and access to power.

Your company logo will appear on the event details, as a live link on the MATS 2024 website and form part of the exhibitor promotions on social media.

Also included is the cost one three-day delegate ticket attendance at the conference. Full catering is included.

click here to register for your MATS 2024 Exhibitor Package £1150.00 (inc VAT)