New Wave Media

 

This first product within its next-generation (4G) range, Echoscope4G Surface, is designed for nearly plug-and-play ease of use for shallow water operational needs not to exceed 20 meters water depth. The Surface features a significantly smaller form factor that is 50 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller and requires 30 percent less power than that of the Echoscope 3G product line – all without compromising real-time 3D image and mapping fidelity, performance or capability, according to Coda Octopus.

 

Whereas the third generation was more compatible with the likes of work-class remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) and other vessels, Coda said its reengineered and repackaged 4G range expands the industry-leading technology to a broader number of market applications. 

 

“Our real-time 3D sonar technology, which we brought to the market in 2005, is at the heart of Coda’s growth plans and strategy. Following feedback from our customers and a clear understanding of the key applications and environments in which they use our unique technology, we moved production of the Echoscope hardware component from Norway to Scotland in 2014 to co-locate with our software development. This was a strategic move designed to re-think and further innovate our technology’s complete system, one which has now culminated in the Surface launch. This initial 4G product launch is an important first step in our efforts to standardize real-time 3D sonar technology in both the commercial and defense imaging sonar markets, as many market applications now require smaller, lighter and less power than our current third generation products. This leap forward is a game changer and potentially paves the way for increased market share,” said Annmarie Gayle, Coda’s Chairman of the Board and CEO. “We continue to progress multiple new 4G products, which we expect to roll out in the next 18 to 24 months.”

 

The Echoscope4G Surface is available in single, dual and XD triple models, offering three independent frequency and 3D volumes to give customers a choice for a wide range of target applications. This range in performance of real-time 3D sonar enables tasks from ultra-high-resolution inspection to wide-area mapping from a single, lightweight and easy-to-deploy sensor. Built around Coda Octopus’s patented technology, the Echoscope4G Surface generates a complete 3D model, composed of over 16,000 soundings, from each and every acoustic transmission, and up to 12hz refresh rate. The Surface is neutrally buoyant in water, and features a rugged metal housing for harsh conditions and a fully integrated handle and mounting points for attaching to vessels. Further, this debut 4G product is compatible with the full range of Coda Octopus proprietary 3D software and accessories.

 

The Surface has undergone extensive regression testing and has two select customer trials underway. Designed for optimum task performance in shallow water, product applications include port and harbor security, law enforcement search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, underwater construction, dredging and rock dumping, and breakwater block placement. The previous third generation of Echoscope technology has been used extensively in coastal management to create safer harbors and inshore protection, and reduce coastal erosion. The patented technology allows breakwater operators to visualize and track thousands of interlocking blocks into position in real time, to ensure every block placed is aligned so the integrity of the entire structure is stable.

 

Coda’s Echoscope technology is in use in more than 30 U.S. ports and law enforcement offices, as well as with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and South Korean Navy.