How REGENT Is Advancing Maritime Safety Through Next-Generation Sensing

As we progress through our prototype test program, one critical area of focus is sensing: the technologies that allow our vessels to perceive their surroundings, detect hazards, and support informed operational decisions in real time.

Testing sensing technology is an important step toward reducing operational uncertainty and supporting safe navigation in complex coastal environments. Our team is methodically validating system performance through on-water testing, integrated trials, and data analysis. This disciplined approach ensures that we build confidence in the technology before it enters service.

Understanding the Operating Environment

High-speed coastal travel demands strong awareness of a constantly changing environment. Vessels, floating debris, navigation markers, weather conditions, and sea state all introduce variables that must be continuously monitored, even as the vehicle’s operating context evolves across surface, near-surface, and airborne operation.

“The goal is to give the operator as much visibility, as much situational awareness so they can safely operate the vehicle in each of the different modes,” said Igor Janjic, Lead Perception Software Engineer at REGENT.  

To support this, REGENT evaluates and integrates multiple sensing technologies into the Seaglider platform, including passive, large-baseline stereo vision systems such as NODAR’s Hammerhead.

Hammerhead generates dense 3D point clouds in real time, enabling detection of objects, interpretation of terrain, and improved environmental awareness without relying on lidar (light detection and ranging technology), which is critical in a maritime domain where lidar can be limited by conditions including spray and glare.  

Capabilities, including long-range perception, depth resolution, and system stability, contribute to a clearer, real-time understanding of the maritime domain.

“REGENT is tackling a uniquely demanding perception challenge," said Leaf Jiang, CEO, NODAR. "We’re excited that Hammerhead can help address that challenge by enhancing the long-range awareness needed to operate safely.”

Safety Guides the Development Process

At REGENT, safety is our core company value and the foundation upon which every Seaglider is built and operated.  

Sensing is one of many systems undergoing evaluation as part of REGENT’s broader test program. Each test helps refine performance, inform system integration, and support operational readiness. This work lays the foundation for safe, reliable Seaglider operations in the real-world maritime environment.