At EURONAVAL 2026, starting November 3 in Paris, we are introducing the new imc Smart Buoy, an autonomous data acquisition solution designed for underwater acoustic monitoring and analysis. Combining proven measurement hardware with powerful measurement and data analysis software, the Smart Buoy supports the detection and investigation of underwater acoustic activity, helping maritime operators gain valuable insights into their underwater environments.
Integrated Hardware and Software for Underwater Acoustic Measurements
The imc Smart Buoy combines saltwater-resistant hydrophones, the modular imc ARGUSfit data acquisition system, wireless communication technology, and the measurement and analysis software imc STUDIO and FAMOS.
The hydrophones capture underwater acoustic signals, while imc ARGUSfit enables real-time onboard signal processing. Relevant measurement information is transmitted wirelessly via LTE and MQTT to an onshore monitoring station, where operators can visualize measurement results and investigate acoustic activity.
With imc STUDIO, users can configure measurement processes, visualize data, and monitor measurement operations. FAMOS provides advanced analysis capabilities for investigating acoustic signatures, identifying patterns, and developing customized signal classification workflows.
The modular imc ARGUSfit platform also supports additional measurement modules and distributed configurations. Individual hardware and software components can be integrated into other customized data acquisition solutions.
While individual Smart Buoys provide acoustic monitoring at selected locations, the system concept also offers a foundation for future networks of interconnected monitoring stations. The Smart Buoy concept has already been successfully evaluated in a field test, demonstrating continuous underwater measurements over periods of time, autonomous operation, onboard data processing, and remote data transmission.
Applications Across Maritime Security, Offshore Industries, and Research
The imc Smart Buoy is designed for the following industries and applications
- Maritime defense and security: Acoustic surveillance of coastal areas, port approaches, and other maritime zones.
- Critical underwater infrastructure protection: Monitoring acoustic activity around subsea communication cables or pipelines.
- Offshore energy and industrial facilities: Complementing existing monitoring systems around offshore wind farms and other marine installations.
- Research and development: High-resolution underwater acoustic measurements, sensor evaluation, acoustic signature analysis, and the development of customized monitoring and classification methods.
With the new Smart Buoy, we are extending our expertise in flexible data acquisition and measurement data analysis into underwater acoustic monitoring, providing a configurable solution for applications in challenging maritime environments.
Learn more about the technology, system components, and potential applications on our new product page - Explore the imc Smart Buoy
