Autonomous UXO Detection Demonstrated with Bayonet 350 AUGV

Why It Matters

The proof‑of‑concept shows that autonomous maritime platforms can safely and cost‑effectively clear UXO, unlocking restricted coastal zones for recreation and development while reducing human risk.

Key Takeaways

• Autonomous AUGV surveyed 8 acres in surf zone
• RTK‑GPS and APEX EM system delivered high‑resolution data
• No downtime despite New England blizzard conditions
• Enables safe, cost‑effective UXO clearance for coastal redevelopment
• Demonstrates commercial viability of robotic maritime hazard mitigation

Pulse Analysis

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) littering former military ranges remains a hidden threat to coastal communities, marine traffic, and offshore development. Traditional clearance methods rely on divers or manned vessels, which are costly, slow, and expose personnel to hazardous surf and swash zones. As climate‑driven sea‑level rise pushes development closer to shorelines, the pressure to remediate these sites intensifies. Autonomous platforms that can operate in dynamic near‑shore environments therefore represent a strategic shift, offering the ability to map large seabed areas quickly while keeping humans out of danger.

The Bayonet 350 autonomous underwater ground vehicle (AUGV) proved its mettle during a five‑day field trial in Maine’s former bombing range, covering roughly eight acres of surf and shoreline without a single system failure. Integrated with an RTK‑GPS module for centimeter‑level positioning and towing White River Technologies’ APEX three‑dimensional electromagnetic sensor, the vehicle generated high‑resolution geophysical datasets even as a New England blizzard battered the site. Post‑processing using Advanced Geophysical Classification (AGC) algorithms allowed precise discrimination between live munitions and ordinary seabed debris, delivering actionable intelligence for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The successful demonstration signals a turning point for maritime hazard mitigation, where autonomous surveying can become a standard service offering for ports, offshore wind farms, and coastal redevelopment projects. By eliminating the need for divers in high‑risk surf zones, operators can cut labor costs by an estimated 40‑50 % while accelerating project timelines. Moreover, the scalable nature of the Bayonet‑APEX solution enables repeatable deployments across the nation’s estimated 1,200 former defense sites, unlocking new revenue streams for defense contractors and technology firms alike. As regulatory agencies tighten environmental and safety standards, data‑driven, robot‑first approaches are poised to dominate the next wave of underwater remediation.