Integer Technologies and the University of Southern Mississippi have received a $9.8 million contract modification from the Office of Naval Research to continue development of a joint program focused on improving autonomous undersea warfare capabilities.
The option exercise contract supports the next phase of the Intelligent Autonomous Systems of Seabed Warfare program, bringing the total value of the collaboration between Integer and Southern Miss up to $24.8 million.
The funding will support continued research and development of an operational decision-support tool designed to help the U.S. Navy’s autonomous undersea systems adapt to changing ocean conditions, operate for longer periods and complete missions with less human intervention.
Integer Technologies, a provider of mission assurance and reliability software for maritime operations, is partnering with Southern Miss to combine the university’s expertise in ocean engineering and oceanography with Integer’s experience developing predictive software models for unmanned platforms.
The partnership expanded in April with Integer’s presence at Southern Miss’ Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, providing direct access to the ocean and allowing engineers and scientists to collaborate on rapid prototyping and in-water testing in the Gulf.
“Advancing to this next phase highlights the University of Southern Mississippi’s leadership in ocean research and blue economy innovation,” Southern Miss Vice President for Research Dr. Kelly Lucas said.
