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West Australian company Proteus Maritime and Edith Cowan University have collaborated to create an undersea mesh system to transform defence communication.
The undersea mesh communication system, acting as an underwater Wi-Fi, will allow devices deep in the ocean to connect in real time. Instead of relying on one central hub, which might fail, the devices form a “mesh” to connect to the others nearby, creating a reliable web of communication.
The undersea mesh communication system concept was originally developed and presented last year within the Exercise Western Dawn Innovation Program, where it was also named the overall 2024 winner.
“Congratulations to Proteus Maritime and Edith Cowan University for being awarded the WA government’s $200,000 Defence and Research Teaming grant,” Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said.
“This technology will potentially give our submarines and sea drones the upper hand with a clear line of communication even in hostile waters.
“We are proud of what our local businesses and researchers are achieving, and the state government continues to invest in the defence sector to help it to grow.”
The innovation is envisioned to bolster communication between submarines, subsea drones and sensors but also potentially support scientific research as well as search and rescue operations.
“This work by Proteus Maritime and ECU could prove to be a game changer for creating reliable pathways in undersea communications for submarines, subsea drones and sensors,” Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said.
“This funding is an example of how the Cook government is working to ensure WA is at the forefront for new innovative technologies.”
