Research Proposed: Research is proposed to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of a Maritime Sensor Data System (MSDS) for maritime platform data collection across internal and vessel integrated sensors that communicates to a cloud-based common analytics infrastructure. MSDS customers would subscribe to the data being provided from their vessel as a telematics service, receiving insights to improve craft performance and upkeep. The US DoD and the scientific community would gain access to anonymized data, accelerating understanding of the local maritime environment.Problem Statement: The Internet of Things (IOT) has evolved to the point that a smart watch can detect heart attacks or auto accidents. While the technology has been extensively applied to terrestrial applications, the understanding of maritime environments leaves a lot to be desired. US DoD and the scientific community can leverage several available services to develop models and prediction algorithms, but need access to widespread, relevant data to create quality models to better understand the larger maritime environment.Plan/Process Outline: Working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the effort will develop the technical concept for the MSDS, both as a hardware collection device and a commercial data service. Through a design analysis, investigative studies, and a commercialization/marketing analysis, key concepts will be identified and documented with Phase II prototype performance expectations. A final report provided to project stakeholders will establish the feasibility of the MSDS concept.
