Consortium formed
Wireless Fibre Systems has been awarded £560,000 funding from the UK Department of Trade and Industry to lead a £1.1 million, two-year research project consortium with Tritech International Ltd and Insensys Ltd, to develop the wireless equipment for underwater radio communication, for use in oceanographic and environmental monitoring and to provide improved communications for oil and gas industry workers.
The underwater radio can be used to transmit data to and from unmanned machinery in the deep sea and also help divers to talk underwater, where previously only hand signals were possible.
Wireless Fibre Systems of Livingston, Scotland, has already created the world's first production standard underwater frequency modem, which was launched last September. The aim of this project is to develop products that incorporate the technology.
Brendan Hyland, Chairman of Wireless Fibre Systems, said, “Over the next two years we will develop and launch a number of subsea radio frequency products that will enhance communications, control, networking and safety.”
"Previously, wireless communications have relied mainly on acoustic techniques which are slow, affected by outside noise and cannot penetrate the water or air. This technology makes data transfer and communications clearer and quicker.”
Wireless Fibre Systems Ltd and its partners, subsea companies Tritech International Ltd and Insensys Ltd, will develop five innovative wireless subsea products to be used in bespoke systems.
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