Abstract
This paper extends underwater SONAR simulation from laboratory prototype to real-world demonstrator. It presents the interdisciplinary methodology to advance the state of the art from level four to level seven on the technology readiness level (TRL) standard scale for measuring the maturity of innovations. While SONAR simulation offers the potential to unlock cost-effective personnel capacity building in hydrography, demonstration of virtualised survey-scale operations is a prerequisite for validation by practitioners. Our research approach uses the TRL framework to identify and map current barriers to the use of simulation to interdisciplinary solutions adapted from multiple domains. To meet the distinct challenges of acceptance tests at each level in the TRL scale, critical knowledge is incorporated from different branches of science, engineering, project management, and pedagogy. The paper reports the simulator development at each escalation of TRL. The contributions to simulator performance and usability at each level of advancement are presented, culminating in the first case study demonstration of SONAR simulation as a real-world hydrographic training platform.
Highlights
Using the technology readiness level (TRL) scale as a lens it becomes clear that SONAR-based simulation is underdeveloped and has not yet reached its full potential in the marine domain
This paper applies the process to SONAR simulation and evidences that an innovative interdisciplinary approach to TRL is required to remove barriers that have prevented the state of the art from maturing beyond laboratory validation
This paper has presented the development of real-time survey-scale underwater SONAR simulation and demonstrated its use in a real-world hydrography training environment
Summary
Using the technology readiness level (TRL) scale as a lens it becomes clear that SONAR-based simulation is underdeveloped and has not yet reached its full potential in the marine domain. This paper applies the process to SONAR simulation and evidences that an innovative interdisciplinary approach to TRL is required to remove barriers that have prevented the state of the art from maturing beyond laboratory validation (stages 1–4). This is a key contribution to the literature and practice because the underdeveloped potential of the early-stage laboratory work can unlock improvements in research platforms and personnel capacity building as well as facilitate significant cost savings for the industry by reducing SONAR-based survey costs. The paper contributes to an enhanced understanding of what is required for the maturation of early-stage technology (both in the marine sector and across other sectors)
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