Modus Successfully Completes the Autonomous Docking of its Hybrid AUV (HAUV)

MODUS is a subsea services contractor with a specialist division (MODUS AUTONOMY) developing fully automated, low cost, carbon zero inspection and maintenance services using subsea resident hovering AUVs. In a world’s first, Modus completed the successful autonomous docking of one of its fleet of hybrid autonomous underwater vehicles (HAUV) to an Equinor Subsea Docking Station (SDS) as part of an Equinor funded test scope in the North East of England.


Image 1: Modus HAUV 6 degrees of freedom hovering AUV system capable of surveying and inspection from 0m to 3000m



Image 2: Equinor SDS HAUV autonomously located a SDS signal allowing the vehicle to latch, permiting power and data transfer subsea.

The HAUV system, based on a Saab Sabertooth AUV, successfully docked subsea to the SDS without any operator intervention and the entire operation was monitored live from the Modus Command and Control Centre located at its headquarters in Darlington, utilising a secure data network and free space optics at the test site.

“This is one of the last technology enablers to be proven allowing the use of resident subsea drones to become a reality across the sector. Modus has positioned itself at the forefront of subsea technology and innovation with a vision to offer full autonomous solutions at net zero” said Graeme Jaques, Sales Manager.

Representatives from Equinor’s technology and drone implementation team were present to witness this significant milestone.


Image 3: Modus Command & Control Centre The Modus Command & Control Centre allows operators to remotely pilot the HAUV and upload & initiate fully autonomous missions


Location: UK