On-Water Demonstrations

OCEANS 2025 Great Lakes will feature a series of on-water demonstrations from leading industry innovators. From autonomous vessels to advanced sonar and hydrographic survey systems, these live demos provide a rare chance to see the latest technologies perform in real-world conditions.

A detailed schedule and sign-up sheet will be available soon—don’t miss the opportunity to reserve your spot and experience these demonstrations up close.

ECHO81 will be conducting on-water demonstrations aboard our XO EXPLR vessel, showcasing both the Kongsberg EM 2042 multibeam echosounder and the Kongsberg M3 sonar system. These complementary systems highlight the versatility of Kongsberg’s technology for a range of hydrographic applications, from high-resolution seabed mapping to real-time object detection and water column imaging.  

The systems will be deployed using a Universal Sonar Mount, providing flexible and efficient over-the-side installation. For positioning and motion reference, we’ll be utilizing an Applanix POS MV INS solution with Trimble CenterPoint RTX corrections for real-time, high-accuracy positioning. Additionally, we’ll be collecting sound velocity profiles using an AML oceanographic instrument to ensure optimal data quality. These demos offer a hands-on opportunity to experience how this fully integrated system delivers precise, high-resolution results for hydrographic and seabed mapping operations. 

We will be demonstrating our new survey innovation – the Voxometer®. It is the only MA3® Multi Aspect survey system that offers operators a new and highly effective and efficient way of surveying, delivering Near End Quality Data (NEQD) as you walk off the survey vessel. 

Experience maritime innovation firsthand at Oceans 2025 in Chicago with Unique Group’s on-water demonstration of the Uni-Mini Unmanned Survey Vessel (USV) at Navy Pier, September 29 to October 2. The compact yet powerful Uni-Mini will be in action as it showcases its autonomous capabilities, real-time data collection and precision hydrographic survey technology—all designed to enhance efficiency and safety in nearshore and inland water operations. Join us for a live demonstration that highlights why the Uni-Mini USV is setting a new standard in unmanned survey solutions. 

Join us for two exciting on-water demonstrations featuring the Teledyne Oceanscience Z-Boat Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) with Teledyne T20 multibeam and see sonar data from Teledyne SeaBat Multibeam Echosounders. This live event will showcase the Z-Boat’s autonomous hydrographic capabilities paired with the high-resolution bathymetric data collection of the T20 and T50, offering a powerful solution for efficient and precise marine surveying. 

The PIVOT offers a practical balance of power and portability, well suited to nearshore and offshore research missions, habitat surveys, and data collection in confined or dynamic underwater environments. Its 6 vectored thrusters and rotating tool platform allow precise maneuvering and stable orientation in shifting currents or complex terrain such as spawning grounds, shipwrecks, derelict structures, or open water. The system integrates seamlessly with scientific tools such as imaging sonars, tracking systems, water quality sensors, and manipulators, supporting a wide range of research tasks. With reliable navigation in GPS-denied waters and flexible control configurations, the PIVOT enables consistent, repeatable data collection with minimal crew and logistics. 

NORBIT will showcase the latest in ultra-compact, portable and high-performance multibeam sonars with the WINGHEAD i80S Long Range (LR). Designed for efficient mapping in shallow and extended depth ranges, the newest WINGHEAD enables ultra-high resolution bathymetric mapping in the most demanding conditions, and with wide swath coverage in depths of up to 600m / 2000ft. A single sonar that is capable of effectively mapping the full depth range of the Great Lakes, and beyond. Join NORBIT to see how the WINGHEAD i80S LR can increase efficiency in your survey operations with rapid mobilization, full motion stabilization, and tightly integrated positioning and motion sensor (GNSS/INS) for unparalleled data accuracy in a range of demanding underwater environments.