TL;DR:
- VideoRay has acquired Blue Ring Imaging, an innovator in 3D visualization and AI for unmanned systems.
- Blue Ring Imaging’s technology, including OctoView™ and OctoCAM™, will enhance the Defender robot’s capabilities.
- VideoRay’s extensive experience in subsea robots and their modular Mission Specialist systems reduce operational costs.
- The acquisition will enable VideoRay to leverage AI, AR/VR, and advanced visualization for more autonomous unmanned vehicle missions.
- Chris Gibson, VideoRay CEO, and Casey Sapp, Blue Ring Imaging CEO, express excitement about the partnership’s potential.
Main AI News:
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the operational capabilities of its Mission Specialist Defender robot, VideoRay, a leading provider of subsea robotic solutions, has successfully acquired Blue Ring Imaging, an innovator based in St. Petersburg, Florida. This acquisition is set to revolutionize the field of unmanned systems by incorporating cutting-edge 3D visualization, multi-view perception, and simulation technologies.
Blue Ring Imaging has earned recognition for its ground-breaking OctoView™ mixed reality software and OctoCAM™ multi-view 360° camera, which is poised to significantly enhance the situational awareness and object detection capabilities of VideoRay’s Defender. The company boasts an impressive client roster, which includes prestigious entities such as the US Navy’s PMS 408, Office of Naval Research (ONR), Navy RDSA, OceanX, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). These esteemed clients stand to gain immense benefits from the synergies generated by the VideoRay acquisition.
VideoRay, with a track record of delivering over 4,000 subsea vehicles worldwide, has amassed unparalleled expertise in designing and manufacturing subsea robots. The latest additions to their Mission Specialist lineup combine the power and functionality typically associated with larger, more costly systems into a modular, one-person deployable form factor. This innovation not only drastically reduces operational costs but also streamlines logistics.
The integration of Blue Ring Imaging’s capabilities will serve as a catalyst for VideoRay’s expansion. By leveraging Blue Ring’s proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D visualization and reconstruction, simulation, and man-machine teaming, VideoRay’s unmanned vehicles will be empowered to conduct missions with increased autonomy and effectiveness. In numerous instances, this advanced technology will eliminate the need for experienced operators, resulting in substantial time and cost savings.
Chris Gibson, the CEO of VideoRay, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “VideoRay eagerly anticipates harnessing Blue Ring Imaging’s impressive capabilities. These technologies seamlessly align with VideoRay’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of underwater operations through portable robotic solutions and fostering seamless collaboration between humans and machines. VideoRay will leverage Blue Ring’s technological prowess to redefine how operators interact with and control their unmanned vehicles.”
Casey Sapp, CEO of Blue Ring Imaging, shared his excitement regarding the acquisition, stating, “Blue Ring is thrilled about the acquisition and the promising future it holds. Under VideoRay’s leadership, we not only have the opportunity to deliver a best-in-class operator experience to VideoRay’s existing ocean robotics customers but also to extend our offerings for the benefit of a broader range of unmanned systems.“
Conclusion:
VideoRay’s acquisition of Blue Ring Imaging signifies a significant advancement in the unmanned systems market. The integration of cutting-edge 3D visualization, AI, and multi-view perception technologies will empower unmanned vehicles to operate more autonomously and efficiently. This strategic move positions VideoRay as a leader in the field, offering enhanced solutions and cost savings to customers across various industries reliant on unmanned systems.
