New Wave Media

Saab Seaeye said it has enhanced the Falcon's intelligent control system with its advanced iCON behavior-based intelligent control architecture, meaning the electric robotic vehicle can now host many new features as an advanced platform for further automation and behavior-based software development.

 

Station‐keeping and fine position adjustment is a new attribute that reduces the operator's workload by allowing them to concentrate on the task at hand. Fitting a Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) and interface node has made this possible.

 

It is also now possible to add higher accuracy sensors for heading, depth and altitude.

 

The iCON enhancement is available on all new Falcons, or as an upgrade to existing vehicles. It comes as a new design surface control consul that incorporates the iCON software - already a feature of Saab Seaeye's successful Leopard work system.

 

The new control consul features a wide, high-resolution touchscreen monitor, customizable graphic user interface and an ability to record video and still images. It also offers user-friendly system configuration and diagnostic pages.

 

According to Saab Seaeye, iCON’s building block simplicity is key to the company's ongoing success as it allows harmonious migration of technology throughout the manufacturer’s range and is currently accelerating new systems development.

 

The Falcon's winning concept comes from a careful balance of five powerful thrusters and an intelligent distributed control system in a small, easily manhandled 1 x 0.5 x 0.6 meter size versatile chassis.

 

Its power and control make it highly maneuverable and able to master strong crosscurrents while undertaking precision tasks with steadiness and precise maneuverability.

 

Introduced in 2002, the Falcon's distributed intelligence provides each device on the vehicle with its own microprocessor, thereby allowing tools and sensors to be easily added or changed, and custom options to be integrated - making it a platform suited for numerous intricate and demanding applications.

 

Now the building block characteristic of iCON offers a ready platform for future enhancements to the Falcon range, which, coming in 300 and 1,000 meter depth ratings and can undertake a vast range of widely varying tasks across all key market sectors.