By
Alex Smith |
FarSounder has secured Manufacturing Innovation Voucher funding from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to support research and development related to artificial intelligence–based sonar capabilities.
The funding will be used to advance work on integrating automatic target recognition into FarSounder’s end-user sonar software. Under the Innovation Voucher programme, the company will build on an existing proof of concept to develop a fully integrated software prototype using machine-learning–based target recognition.
The project focuses on automated classification of key sonar targets, including seafloor features, wake-related bubbles, engine noise interference and in-water objects such as whales, ice, rocks and coral. The framework is designed to expand over time, allowing additional target classes to be incorporated as more data becomes available.
“This award allows us to accelerate meaningful innovation that directly supports safer navigation and smarter decision-making at sea,” said Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and co-founder of FarSounder. “By applying modern AI techniques to the unique challenges of sonar data, we’re enhancing our ability to deliver more actionable information to mariners while opening the door to new applications across manned and unmanned vessels.”
FarSounder’s work draws on more than 20 years of sonar development and a proprietary dataset exceeding 80 terabytes of real-world sonar recordings collected globally. Using this dataset, the company has demonstrated a convolutional neural network capable of processing raw sonar data in real time with performance comparable to existing classical algorithms. The approach allows for greater flexibility in expanding object recognition through additional training.
Research supported by the funding is expected to inform future software updates for FarSounder’s existing customers and support integration across a range of emerging maritime applications. These include pilot-assist systems for high-speed passenger vessels.
“Innovation Vouchers reflect the state’s commitment to supporting innovative companies such as FarSounder,” said Stefan Pryor, secretary of commerce for Rhode Island. “Commerce’s grant aims to accelerate the company’s research and development while also strengthening our ocean economy, one of Rhode Island’s key industries, by reinforcing our position as a leader in ocean technology and advanced manufacturing.”