Orca AI unveils updated SeaPod watchkeeper

The SeaPod is a fully automated navigational assistant that processes multiple sources of information, mimicking human watchkeeping round-the-clock to identify complex marine traffic situations.

“Improving situational awareness through automated all-target detection and risk prioritisation not only minimises workload and fatigue for bridge officers, but also helps crews make better decisions earlier,” explained Orca AI chief executive, Yarden Gross.

“It eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of human error especially in congested waters and challenging visibility conditions. Thanks to AI the system gets smarter every day,” he added.

This latest iteration is the result of four years of accumulated expertise and now comes equipped with cameras providing field-of-view (FOV) coverage of 225° and thermal-view cameras providing a 100° FOV.

The unit can detect even small objects, such as vessels, containers, debris and marine mammals, up to four nautical miles away regardless of weather conditions.

“We have carefully designed the new unit to sail in all weather conditions, humidity, and temperatures ranging from minus 20°C to plus 40°C,” said Yarden.

Weighing just 10 kilograms and easily installed in a day, the unit complies with all regulatory requirements including the IMO’s SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 22 (Safety of navigation/Navigational bridge visibility) and the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) standard that requires a human lookout to detect targets from a specific distance.